UV Air Filter Unit with Isolated Electrical Compartment Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems in kitchens face safety risks due to the potential failure of electrical components from heat and contamination, and the harmful effects of UV light and ozone, which can expose personnel to hazards during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A filter unit design that includes a compartment for electrical components cooled by a separate, cleaner air flow, preventing ozone and contaminated air from entering, and a safety switch to ensure UV lamps are disabled during maintenance, along with a pre-filtering unit to reduce particle and grease exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If UV lamps and ozone are used for air treatment, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but safety hazards increase for personnel during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first housing part containing the UV lamp and a second housing part containing the electrical component, with a removable first housing part that allows access to the UV lamp while isolating the electrical component from direct exposure to treated air and contaminants
Solution Approach 2:
A flow direction element is introduced as an intermediary component to redirect the flow of treated air away from the electrical component, preventing direct contact between harmful UV-treated air and the electrical components while maintaining the overall air treatment function
2Device complexity
If electrical components are placed in the main air flow path, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to heat and contamination exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into distinct compartments: a first housing part for the UV lamp in the main air flow path, and a second housing part for the electrical component separated from the main air flow, allowing the electrical component to be protected from heat and contamination while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical component is extracted from the main air flow path and placed in a separate second housing part, removing it from the harmful environment of hot and contaminated air while maintaining its functional connection to the UV lamp system
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure equalization is used when opening service hatch, then safety is improved, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical component is pre-positioned in a separate second housing part that is inherently protected from direct UV exposure and harmful air flow, eliminating the need for pressure equalization procedures during maintenance while maintaining safety
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 the safety and reliability of ventilation systems by maintaining electrical component functionality and reducing the risk of UV and ozone exposure, ensuring safer operation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultraviolet light source adapted for air treatment arranged between the main inlet and the main outlet
Implementation Method 2
passed over a radiation source such as UV lamps in order to break down the molecules of grease and contaminants
Implementation Method 3
The ozone is produced by the UV lamps and in cooperation with the radiation from the UV lamps, it provides an efficient cleaning in two steps, since the UV light 'chops up' large molecules and the ozone then cause the remaining smaller molecules to oxidize
Implementation Method 4
the main flow, when the filter unit is in use, creates a negative pressure inside the filter unit between the main inlet and the main outlet
Implementation Method 5
a secondary flow from the secondary inlet through the compartment to the secondary outlet is provided by the negative pressure inside the filter unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Filter unit (1) and use of the same, for treating a main through flow (14) of air, said filter unit (1) comprising a main inlet (15) and a main outlet (16) in fluid connection and arranged at a distance from each other, at least one ultraviolet light source (3) adapted for air treatment arranged between the main inlet (15) and the main outlet (16); at least one electrical component (13) for operating the ultraviolet light source (3). The main flow (14), when the filter unit (1) is in use, creates a negative pressure inside the filter unit (1) between the main inlet (15) and the main outlet (16). The filter unit (1) further comprises a compartment (4), separated from the main flow (14), in which compartment (4) the at least one electrical component (13) is arranged. The compartment (4) is provided with a secondary outlet (12) in fluid connection with the main flow (14) and further provided with a secondary inlet (11) in fluid connection to an outside of the filter unit (1) so that a secondary flow (10) from the secondary inlet (11) through said compartment (4) to the secondary outlet (12) is controlled by the negative pressure inside the filter unit (1) when in use.