UV-C Matrix Cabin Filter for Sterile Vehicle Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cabin air filtration systems in vehicles fail to effectively eliminate toxins such as viruses, bacteria, mold, and fungi from the air while maintaining the ability to remove particulate matter without requiring intrusive redesigns or retrofits.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a flexible ultraviolet light matrix membrane technology into standard cabin air filters, utilizing UV-C LEDs to sanitize the air by sewing or weaving the matrix membrane into existing filters or integrating it during manufacturing, ensuring the filter continues to remove particulates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If standard cabin air filters are used, then particulate matter removal is maintained, but toxin elimination capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoxin elimination capabilityVSAvoidparticulate matter removal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a UV-C LED array with a standard particulate filter into an integrated cabin air filtration system. The UV-C LEDs are positioned to irradiate air passing through the filter, enabling simultaneous particulate removal and toxin elimination without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filtration system is designed to perform multiple functions: the standard filter media continues to remove particulate matter while the integrated UV-C LED array simultaneously eliminates toxins, viruses, and bacteria. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by making the system capable of both particulate removal and toxin elimination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If UV-C LEDs are integrated into existing filters, then toxin elimination is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoxin elimination capabilityVSAvoidfilter system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The UV-C LED array is nested within the existing filter housing structure. The LEDs are positioned in channels or compartments that utilize the existing filter's internal geometry, allowing the UV-C functionality to be embedded within the conventional filter design without requiring a completely new system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible circuit boards to mount the UV-C LEDs, allowing the lighting array to conform to the curved surfaces and irregular geometries of the filter housing. This flexibility enables integration into existing filter designs with minimal structural modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If UV-C LEDs are added to the filter, then air sterilization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair sterilization capabilityVSAvoidfilter integration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The UV-C LED array is designed as a modular assembly that can be installed as a separate component within the filter housing. This segmentation allows the LED module to be manufactured and tested independently before integration, simplifying the overall manufacturing process and enabling assembly line production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies particular wavelength parameters for the UV-C LEDs (254 nm or 265 nm) that optimize both sterilization effectiveness and integration with existing filter materials. By standardizing these parameters, the manufacturing process becomes more predictable and easier to control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Efficiently cleans and sterilizes air by eliminating toxins like viruses, bacteria, and mold while maintaining the removal of pollutants and particulates, providing a sterile air distribution environment without the need for system redesigns.

Implementation Method 1

UV radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength from about 10 to 400 nanometers... UV light at C, B and A wavelengths has been shown to disinfect and decontaminate surfaces, air, and water... it is the UV-C region (100-280 nm) of the UV spectral range that is utilized... the optimum UV-C wavelength occurs in the region of 250 nm to 262 nm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS20250269310A1Ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane apparatus, system and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 CAT 2020 INC

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a novel redesigned or retrofitted cabin air filtration system utilizing an ultraviolet light, radiation, or an energy matrix membrane and related technology to eliminate toxins such as viruses, bacteria, mold, fungi, rickettsia, protozoa, etc. from the air system in a vehicle, such as an automobile, marine vehicle airplane, etc., thereby improving the current cabin air filter functionality and providing a sterile air distribution environment throughout the cabin of the vehicle or small area.