Targeted UV Sanitization of Interpersonal Proximate Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection methods using UV light sources struggle to effectively sanitize environments while minimizing exposure to individuals, particularly in crowded spaces, and do not account for varying durations of stay or types of individuals.
Innovation Solution
A sanitization system that tracks individual positions and types, controlling UV light emission to target disinfection in proximate regions between individuals, adjusting exposure levels based on duration of stay and type, using sensors and movable components to manage UV light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light sources are used to disinfect environments, then pathogen elimination is improved, but individual exposure and potential harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system directs UV light to specific proximate regions between individuals rather than providing uniform exposure throughout the space. The controller calculates regions between individuals and directs UV light sources to illuminate only those specific areas, creating localized disinfection zones that eliminate pathogens in high-risk areas while minimizing overall individual exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts UV light emission based on real-time sensor data about individual positions and spacing. The controller continuously monitors the environment and modifies UV light direction and intensity accordingly, enabling adaptive disinfection that responds to changing spatial conditions and individual movements.
2Reliability
If UV light is emitted in crowded spaces, then pathogen spread prevention is improved, but individual exposure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system focuses UV light emission on proximate regions between individuals where pathogen transmission is most likely to occur. By localizing the disinfection action to these specific inter-individual spaces rather than exposing entire individuals, the system prevents pathogen spread while minimizing the duration and extent of individual UV exposure.
3Area of stationary object
If UV light sources are positioned to cover entire space, then disinfection coverage is improved, but precision of target area reduction is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from broad-area UV emission to precise localized emission. The controller calculates specific proximate regions between individuals and directs UV light sources to illuminate only these calculated regions, achieving both adequate disinfection coverage in high-risk areas and precise targetting that avoids unnecessary exposure of individuals and non-critical areas.
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 disinfects crowded areas while limiting individual exposure, particularly protecting long-term occupants from pathogens by tailoring UV light exposure to individual types and durations.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the environment with ultraviolet (UV) light using UV light sources
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitization system for a space includes an ultraviolet (UV) light source configured to emit UV light. The system includes a sensor device configured to sense positions of a plurality of individuals within the space. The system includes a controller in communication with the sensor device. The controller is configured to monitor the positions of the plurality of individuals, determine, based on the positions of the plurality of individuals, that two or more individuals are less than a threshold distance from each other, and in response to determining that the two or more individuals are less than a threshold distance from each other, control the UV light source to emit UV light towards a proximate region between the two or more individuals.