Task Light Air Suction Channel for Pathogen Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental and other healthcare professionals are exposed to airborne pathogens and poor air quality due to the inadequate removal of bioaerosols and particulate matter during procedures, which can lead to disease transmission and health risks, and existing lighting solutions do not effectively address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A light and air removal device with an integrated air suction system that uses a vacuum hose connected to a vacuum device, featuring an air suction channel and adjustable support to direct light and air suction, capable of being retrofitted onto existing lighting fixtures, including a UV LED option for disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a building HVAC system is used for circulating air, then air circulation is provided, but airborne pathogens and particulate matter are not effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting device with an air removal system by integrating a vacuum hose connection and air suction channel into the light body. This merging allows the lighting device to simultaneously provide illumination and actively remove airborne pathogens and particulate matter from the treatment area, resolving the contradiction between air circulation and pathogen removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vacuum system as an intermediary mechanism to actively extract airborne contaminants. The vacuum hose and air suction channel act as intermediaries between the contaminated air and the vacuum source, enabling effective removal of pathogens without replacing the entire HVAC system.
2Reliability
If personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn, then some protection is provided, but aerosols remain suspended and cross-contamination can still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The air removal system performs preliminary action by continuously suctioning airborne contaminants during the procedure. This prevents aerosols from accumulating and reduces the risk of cross-contamination before it can occur, complementing PPE by addressing the airborne pathogen issue proactively rather than relying solely on protective barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful suspended aerosols into a removable stream by using the air suction channel to actively draw contaminants away from the treatment area. This transforms the problematic suspended particles into a controlled airflow that can be extracted and removed, turning a passive hazard into an actively managed condition.
3Illumination intensity
If existing lighting fixtures are used, then illumination is provided, but air quality improvement is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate functions - illumination and air quality management - into a single integrated device. The lighting fixture incorporates an air suction channel and vacuum connection, allowing it to simultaneously provide lighting and actively remove airborne contaminants from the treatment area, eliminating the need for separate air purification equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified lighting device achieves multi-functionality by combining illumination with air removal capabilities. This universal device can now perform both lighting and air quality improvement tasks, making it adaptable to various healthcare settings and reducing the overall equipment footprint.
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 reduces the spread of airborne pathogens and improves indoor air quality by immediately removing contaminants from the air between practitioners and patients, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for various healthcare settings.
Implementation Method 1
an air suction channel having at least one inlet disposed adjacent the bottom surface of the body; a vacuum hose connected to the air suction channel for connection to a vacuum device
Implementation Method 2
including a UV LED option for disinfection
Data Source
AI summary
An air removal light device comprising a movable task light with an air suction channel having an inlet for evacuating air from the area below the task light that is between a practitioner and a patient/client. The device includes a body with an outer edge and bottom surface having at least one lamp. An air suction channel is created around the body by positioning an outer wall around the body, with at least one air inlet located adjacent the bottom surface of the body. The air suction channel has an air outlet which is connected to a vacuum hose and vacuum system to remove air from the area below the light. The removed air is transported through a filter to remove pathogens and particulate matter before being returned to the room or exhausted.