Tapered Support Portion UV LED Cooling in Fluid Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sterilization devices using ultraviolet LEDs for cooling water without a heat sink suffer from inadequate cooling efficiency, leading to increased size and weight of the device.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sterilization device with a flow path tube and a light source unit where the support portion is tapered towards the outlet, forming a flow path that directs fluid towards the accommodation portion of the light source unit, enhancing cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heat sink is provided to cool the ultraviolet LED, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow path tube and support portion into a single integrated structure. The support portion that holds the ultraviolet LED is formed as part of the flow path tube itself, eliminating the need for separate heat sink components. This merging achieves efficient cooling through the fluid flow path while maintaining compact device size and reduced weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path tube serves multiple functions: it guides the fluid flow, provides structural support, and acts as a cooling channel. The support portion for the ultraviolet LED is integrated into the flow path tube, making the structure multi-functional rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
2Device complexity
If a columnar light source unit is provided to cool water, then the device structure is simplified, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion is designed with a specific tapered shape that directs fluid flow locally toward the light source unit. This localized flow direction optimization ensures that cooling fluid efficiently contacts the ultraviolet LED and its mounting structure, improving cooling efficiency without adding overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion has a tapered curved shape rather than a straight cylindrical form. This curved geometry naturally guides the fluid flow toward the light source unit, improving cooling efficiency through optimized flow paths while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Temperature
If the support portion is tapered to direct fluid flow, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the tapered support portion directly into the flow path tube as a single molded or machined piece, the patent eliminates the need for separate assembly steps. The tapered shape is formed as part of the tube fabrication process, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the non-standard geometry.
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 tapered support portion and directed fluid flow significantly improve the cooling efficiency of the light source unit, reducing the device's size and weight while maintaining effective sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a light source unit disposed at a position closer to the inlet in the flow path space and configured to emit ultraviolet light to the second end
Implementation Method 2
the light source unit may be efficiently cooled by the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sterilization device includes: a flow path tube forming a flow path space through which a fluid flows and having a side wall, a first end, and a second end, the side wall provided with an inlet at a side of the first end and an outlet at a side of the second end; and a light source unit disposed at a position closer to the inlet in the flow path space and configured to emit ultraviolet light to the second end. The light source unit includes a light emitting element, a support portion provided to protrude from an end surface of the first end toward the second end, provided at a position corresponding to the inlet, and formed to be tapered toward the second end, and an accommodation portion that is provided at a front end of the support portion and accommodates the light emitting element.