Adjustable Baffle UV Fixture for Pathogen Inactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current upper room air germicidal UV fixtures suffer from high optical losses, lack of beam angle adjustability for varying ceiling heights, requirement of room fans for increased efficacy, heavy weight, and unappealing industrial designs.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates adjustable upper and lower baffle assemblies with egg crate louvers that allow for customizable beam angles, efficient light distribution, and integrated fans for improved air mixing, reducing the need for additional air mixing devices and enhancing pathogen inactivation efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional upper room air germicidal UV fixtures are used, then pathogen inactivation is achieved, but optical losses are high and efficiency is low (1-2%)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable baffle assemblies that can be dynamically repositioned to optimize beam angles for different ceiling heights. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the fixture to adapt to various installation environments, maximizing light output efficiency and reducing optical losses compared to fixed traditional fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key optical parameters including beam angle (adjustable between 10-45 degrees), light distribution pattern, and irradiance concentration. By optimizing these parameters through adjustable baffles and reflectors, the system achieves 9.5-30% efficiency compared to the 1-2% efficiency of traditional fixtures, dramatically reducing optical losses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed beam angle fixtures are used, then installation is simple, but adaptability to varying ceiling heights is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable baffle assemblies that can be repositioned to change beam angles, providing adaptability to different ceiling heights. This dynamic feature allows a single fixture design to serve multiple installation scenarios without requiring custom configurations for each ceiling height.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture design integrates multiple functions including adjustable beam angle control, air mixing capabilities, and optimized light distribution within a single device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate air mixing devices and makes the fixture universally applicable to various room configurations.
3Productivity
If traditional fixtures without integrated air mixing are used, then device structure is simple, but additional air mixing devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air mixing function directly into the UV fixture by incorporating fans that draw air through the device. This integration eliminates the need for separate air mixing devices, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing pathogen inactivation efficacy through improved air circulation and UV exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture serves dual purposes: UV pathogen inactivation and air mixing. The integrated fans create airflow patterns that enhance the distribution of UV irradiation throughout the room, making the single device sufficient for both disinfection and air circulation functions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixtures are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but beam angle adjustability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable baffle assemblies with movable components that allow beam angle modification. While this adds some manufacturing complexity compared to fixed fixtures, the use of standardized adjustable mechanisms maintains ease of manufacture while providing valuable beam angle adaptability for different installation scenarios.
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 configuration significantly increases the efficacy of pathogen inactivation by optimizing light output and air irradiation, achieving efficiencies of 9.5% to 30% compared to traditional fixtures, while eliminating the need for additional air mixing devices and ensuring safe irradiance levels for occupants.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit radiant flux, wherein the radiant flux comprises properties capable inactivating one or more species of pathogen disposed in air
Implementation Method 2
one or more fans configured to move air through the fixture
Data Source
AI summary
An example embodiment of an upper room air germicidal light fixture may comprise a light source configured to emit germicidal light and may further comprise one or more lower and upper baffle assemblies disposed adjacent to the light source. Said upper and lower baffle assemblies may be configured to enable air to flow through them and to block or substantially dissipate incident light rays from the light source. One or more apertures may be defined by the openings between a corresponding set of upper and lower baffle assemblies, wherein said light can exit the fixture through said apertures. When the germicidal light fixture is disposed in a room, surrounding room air may contact light exiting the apertures of said fixture, and room air traveling through said fixture may contact light inside and between the one or more upper and lower baffle assemblies.