Ultraviolet light system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ultraviolet lamps in ventilators are often bulky, require substantial modifications to fit, and necessitate removal of large portions for maintenance, leading to restricted airflow and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An ultraviolet light system with a light power module positioned outside the ventilation hood plenum, using a light connector and wire entirely within the plenum, and a flexible shield to minimize exposure to grease and heat, allowing for easy installation and maintenance without bulky housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ultraviolet lamps are installed in ventilators, then grease and odors can be removed, but the lamps are bulky and require substantial modifications to the ventilator structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ultraviolet lamp from the traditional bulky housing structure and installs it directly into the ventilator plenum. The lamp is mounted on the plenum wall using minimal mounting brackets, eliminating the need for substantial structural modifications. This extraction approach allows the UV lamp to perform its grease removal function while maintaining the simplicity of the ventilator structure.
2Reliability
If traditional ultraviolet lamps are installed in ventilators, then grease and odors can be removed, but large portions must be removed for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ultraviolet lamp assembly from the main ventilator structure by mounting it on removable brackets attached to the plenum wall. This segmentation allows the lamp to be independently accessed and removed for maintenance without disassembling large portions of the ventilator. The modular mounting approach enables easy replacement of the lamp while leaving the rest of the ventilator intact.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional ultraviolet lamps with bulky housings are installed, then protection from grease and heat is provided, but airflow is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible silicone shield instead of a bulky rigid housing to protect the ultraviolet lamp from grease and heat. The thin flexible shield provides necessary protection while occupying minimal space in the plenum, thereby avoiding restriction of airflow. The shield can be positioned close to the lamp without creating significant obstructions to the ventilation flow path.
4Reliability
If traditional ultraviolet lamps are installed, then grease removal is achieved, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic, adjustable mounting system for the ultraviolet lamp that allows for easy installation and removal. The mounting brackets are designed to be quickly attached and detached from the plenum wall, enabling straightforward installation during manufacturing and simple maintenance by end users. This dynamic mounting approach reduces both installation time and maintenance costs compared to permanent or complex mounting systems.
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
Enhances airflow, reduces installation and maintenance burdens, and fits in ventilators of various sizes without substantial modifications, improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet light source coupled inside of the ventilation hood plenum
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an ultraviolet light system includes an ultraviolet light source configured to be coupled inside of a ventilation hood plenum, and a light power module. The light power module includes a base configured to be coupled to an outside surface of a wall of the plenum, and further includes a light connector. The light connector is configured to extend into the inside of the plenum through the wall. The ultraviolet light source further includes a light wire positionable entirely within the plenum. The light wire has a first end configured to be coupled to the ultraviolet light source, and a second end that is configured to be coupled to the light connector.