Fluid Sterilization Device Window Cleaning via Water Turbine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid sterilization devices face issues with foreign matters attaching to the window, reducing the effectiveness of ultraviolet ray emission and requiring time-consuming disassembly for cleaning.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a water turbine and a removal part within the cylindrical part to mechanically remove foreign matters from the window, utilizing the fluid flow to rotate a brush or plate-shaped member against the window surface to prevent attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a window is provided in the cylindrical part to emit ultraviolet rays to the fluid, then the sterilization effectiveness is improved, but foreign matters attach to the window surface reducing ultraviolet ray emission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidforeign matter attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The water turbine automatically rotates using the kinetic energy of the flowing water itself, and this rotation drives the removal part to clean the window surface. The system uses its own operational flow to perform maintenance, eliminating the need for external cleaning mechanisms or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The water turbine converts the hydraulic energy of the flowing water into mechanical rotation. The flowing water directly drives the turbine blades, which in turn rotate the removal part against the window surface to prevent foreign matter attachment through continuous mechanical cleaning action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the fluid sterilization device is disassembled to remove foreign matters from the window, then the window cleanliness is improved, but the operational availability is reduced due to time and effort required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow cleanlinessVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The removal part continuously contacts and cleans the window surface as long as water flows through the device. This continuous cleaning action prevents foreign matter accumulation rather than periodically removing it, ensuring the window remains clean without interrupting device operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If a removal part is added to the water turbine to contact the window surface, then foreign matter removal capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter removal capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The removal part is integrated with the water turbine structure, combining the cleaning function with the existing power generation component. The water turbine serves dual purposes: generating rotational motion from water flow and driving the cleaning mechanism through its rotation, eliminating the need for a separate motor or actuator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The water turbine performs multiple functions: it converts water flow energy into rotational motion and simultaneously drives the foreign matter removal mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system while maintaining effective cleaning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Effectively prevents foreign matter attachment, reducing the need for disassembly and maintenance, thereby enhancing operational availability and maintaining sterilization efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a water turbine, provided inside the cylindrical part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater turbine rotation: Turbine

Implementation Method 2

utilizing the fluid flow to rotate a brush or plate-shaped member against the window surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow kinetic energy: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 3

the light source emits ultraviolet rays into the cylindrical part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet ray emission: Light

Implementation Method 4

emitting ultraviolet rays to a fluid, such as water, to exterminate bacteria in the fluid or to inactivate viruses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet sterilization: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 5

an end part of the removal part is brought into contact with a surface of the window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical abrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 6

a brush or plate-shaped member against the window surface to prevent attachment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4530258A1Fluid sterilization device

Publication Date: 2025.04.02 TOSHIBA LIGHTING & TECHNOLOGY CORP

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AI summary

[Issue] To provide a fluid sterilization device capable of suppressing foreign matters from being attached to a window. [Solution] A fluid sterilization device (1, 11) according to an embodiment includes: a cylindrical part (2, 12); a light source (5, 15), emitting ultraviolet rays to a fluid flowing through an inside of the cylindrical part via a window (6); a water turbine (7a, 17a), provided inside the cylindrical part; and a removal part (7e, 17c), provided at the water turbine. An end part of the removal part is brought into contact with a surface of the window on a side opposite to a side of the light source.