System for disinfecting a closeable space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection systems for closeable spaces face challenges such as potential harm to humans and pets from chemical agents and UV light, uncertainty about disinfection effectiveness, and excessive energy consumption from continuous indicator lighting, which can be annoying and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising light sources that switch between UV light for disinfection and blue light for indication, with a sensor-controlled operation mode that activates UV light when the space is closed and blue light when opened, ensuring safe disinfection and user notification of cleaning without continuous energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light is used for disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but safety for humans and pets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by activating UV light sources only during specific time periods when the closeable space is closed and no humans or pets are present. The control system periodically switches between UV disinfection mode and normal operation mode, ensuring disinfection effectiveness while preventing harmful exposure to living beings.
2Loss of information
If continuous indicator lighting is used to show disinfection status, then user awareness of disinfection is improved, but energy consumption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator lighting operates periodically rather than continuously. It activates only during or after UV disinfection cycles to inform users of the disinfection status, then turns off during normal operation periods. This periodic operation maintains user awareness while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to continuous lighting.
3Loss of information
If indicator lighting is used to notify users of disinfection, then user awareness is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to annoyance
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator lighting provides brief periodic notifications rather than continuous illumination. It activates for short durations to inform users of disinfection completion or status, then remains off during normal operation. This periodic notification approach maintains user awareness while avoiding the annoyance and discomfort caused by continuous indicator lighting in frequently used spaces.
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
The system effectively disinfects closeable spaces using UV light while ensuring user safety and energy efficiency by switching to blue light when the space is opened, providing a safe and clean impression without continuous indicator lighting.
Implementation Method 1
Wavelengths between about 190 nm and 300 nm may be strongly absorbed by nucleic acids, which may result in defects in an organism's genome
Implementation Method 2
one or more of the one or more light sources may be configured to generate second light source light having a centroid wavelength selected from the range of 400-490 nm
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a system (100) for disinfecting at least part of a closeable space (10), wherein the system (100) comprises one or more light sources (110), a sensor (120) and a control system (300), wherein in a first operational mode one or more of the one or more light sources (110) are configured to generate first light source light (111) having one or more wavelengths selected from the range of 100-380 nm, and wherein in a second operational mode one or more of the one or more light sources (110) are configured to generate second light source light (112) having a centroid wavelength selected from the range of 400-490 nm, wherein the first light source light (111) and the second light source light (112) is provided in the closeable space (10), wherein the sensor (120) is configured to detect a state or a change in state of the closeable space (10) and to provide a related sensor signal to the control system (300), wherein the control system (300) is configured to select the first operational mode during a first time period (21) when the closeable space (10) is configured in a closed state (11) and configured to select the second operational mode during a second time period (22) when the closeable space (10) is configured in an open state (13).