Targeted UV Sterilization for Low-Energy Hygienic Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective sterilization and disinfection methods for storage areas, particularly in environments where access to electricity is limited, such as in the food industry, households, and for medical and chemical equipment, to ensure hygienic storage and extend the shelf life of food products while maintaining their sensory and nutritional qualities.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses ultraviolet radiation to sterilize and disinfect storage areas by scanning for biological activity and targeting specific zones with UV radiation, utilizing a monitoring and control system to manage the UV sources, ensuring comprehensive coverage and adjustable intensity, duration, and spectral power based on detected microorganisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultraviolet radiation is applied to sterilize and disinfect storage areas, then microbial load is reduced and shelf life is extended, but energy consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning to detect biological activity before applying UV radiation. The monitoring system continuously scans the storage area and only activates UV sources when microorganisms are detected, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining sterilization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies UV radiation locally to specific zones where biological activity is detected rather than illuminating the entire storage area. The control system targets specific UV sources based on monitoring data, concentrating energy only where needed to reduce overall energy consumption
2Reliability
If ultraviolet radiation is applied to sterilize and disinfect storage areas, then microbial load is reduced and shelf life is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system serves multiple functions: it detects biological activity, identifies specific zones requiring treatment, and provides feedback for controlling UV sources. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining sterilization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback loop where the monitoring system continuously detects biological activity and automatically adjusts UV radiation application. This closed-loop control simplifies operation and reduces the need for complex manual control systems while ensuring reliable sterilization
3Reliability
If ultraviolet radiation is applied to sterilize and disinfect storage areas, then microbial load is reduced, but exposure time and intensity must be precisely controlled to maintain food quality
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives continuous feedback from the monitoring system about biological activity levels and automatically adjusts UV radiation intensity and duration. This automated feedback control eliminates the need for manual precision control while ensuring adequate microbial deactivation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes UV radiation parameters (intensity, duration, which sources are active) based on real-time monitoring data. The control system adjusts these parameters automatically according to the detected biological activity, simplifying operation while maintaining effective sterilization
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
This system effectively reduces microbial loads, extends the shelf life of food products, and maintains their quality by using UV radiation to target and eliminate pathogens, providing a reliable and energy-efficient solution for hygienic storage across various environments.
Implementation Method 1
UV-C light causes damage to the nucleic acid of microorganisms by forming covalent bonds between certain adjacent bases in the DNA. The formation of these bonds prevents the DNA from being 'unzipped' for replication, and the organism is neither able to produce molecules essential for life process, nor is it able to reproduce.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for disinfecting a storage area and/or items within a storage area can include at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured to generate ultraviolet radiation directed within a storage area and a monitoring and control system. The monitoring and control system can be configured to monitor at least one of the storage area or a set of items located in the storage area and control ultraviolet radiation generated by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source based on the monitoring by delivering targeted ultraviolet radiation to at least one designated zone within the storage area.