Systems, apparatus and methods for purifying air
Solution Overview
Problem
Current air purification systems, particularly in confined spaces, are inadequate in effectively eliminating airborne pathogens like COVID-19 due to limitations in UV light technology, which can harm human cells and require prolonged exposure, and existing HVAC systems recirculate cold, dry air that fosters viral activity.
Innovation Solution
A modular air disinfection apparatus using far UV-C light sources arranged in a serpentine pathway within a housing with reflective surfaces and HEPA filters, ensuring extended exposure to UV-C light while preventing leakage, integrated with HVAC systems to treat air-conditioned airflow and provide personal disinfection systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light is used to destroy viruses, then viral neutralization is achieved, but human skin and cells are injured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of UV light from conventional UV-C (200-280nm) to far UV-C (207-222nm). This parameter change allows the light to effectively neutralize viruses while reducing harmful effects on human skin and cells, as far UV-C has shorter penetration depth into human tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different UV wavelength characteristics to different targets: far UV-C (207-222nm) is used for viral neutralization while conventional UV-C is avoided to prevent human skin damage. The system selectively uses specific wavelength ranges optimized for each function
2Loss of time
If high energy UV is used to destroy viruses quickly, then exposure time is reduced, but human skin and cells are injured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the UV wavelength parameter to far UV-C (207-222nm), which achieves effective viral neutralization with reduced exposure times while being safer for human skin and cells compared to conventional UV-C
3Loss of energy
If HVAC systems recirculate air to improve energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but viral spread is facilitated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces far UV-C light as an intermediary substance in the HVAC system. The UV-C disinfection module is integrated into the air recirculation pathway, allowing the system to maintain energy-efficient air recirculation while the far UV-C light neutralizes viruses in the recirculated air, preventing pathogen transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the HVAC air recirculation function with the UV-C disinfection function into a single integrated system. The far UV-C light module is incorporated into the existing HVAC airflow pathway, combining climate control and pathogen neutralization functions
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 neutralizes airborne microorganisms by ensuring prolonged exposure to germicidal UV-C light, reducing the risk of infection in confined spaces and improving air quality without harming humans, while also optimizing HVAC system efficiency and air circulation.
Implementation Method 1
Far UV-C light, in particular, can target the RNA/DNA of microorganisms, causing cell death or making reproduction impossible
Implementation Method 2
The airflow is configured to be routed along a serpentine pathway within the housing to expose microorganisms in the airflow to far UV-C light emitted by the UV light sources for an extended and optimal duration
Implementation Method 3
A modular air disinfection apparatus using far UV-C light sources arranged in a serpentine pathway within a housing with reflective surfaces and HEPA filters
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus and methods for disinfection of airflow. An apparatus for disinfecting air-conditioned airflow in a confined space includes: a modular housing; and a disinfection chamber enclosed within the housing. The disinfection chamber includes a plurality of disinfection sheets. Each disinfection sheet comprises a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light sources. The airflow is configured to be routed along a serpentine pathway within the housing to expose microorganisms in the airflow to far UV-C light emitted by the UV light sources for an extended and optimal duration.