Interchangeable UV-C Drain Disinfecting Device with Lens Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drain disinfecting devices are primarily designed for OEM installations and do not effectively address the buildup of pathogens along the downstream ends of drain pipes leading up to the traps, where microorganisms commonly flourish, and are not suitable for use with existing sink fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A drain disinfecting device with a UV-C LED module positioned to irradiate the interior surface of the drain pipe, optimized for maximum exposure of pathogens, which is easily installable on new or existing sink drain pipes and can be flexibly positioned along the pipe to cover most or all internal surfaces, using a removable and maintainable design with a quartz lens to maximize UV-C light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV LEDs are mounted directly within the drainage portion for OEM installations, then sterilization function is achieved, but the device is not suitable for existing sink fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pipe section is designed with a universal fit mechanism that can be installed in both new construction and existing sink fixtures. The device incorporates adjustable mounting components that adapt to various drain pipe configurations and diameters, enabling the same sterilization device to be universally applied across different sink types and installation scenarios.
2Illumination intensity
If UV-C LED is positioned close to the lens, then radiation intensity is high, but the radiation beam does not adequately cover the downstream end of the drain pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation beam coverage is enhanced by utilizing the third dimension (depth along the drain pipe) through strategic positioning of the UV-C LED at an optimized distance from the lens. This positioning allows the conical radiation beam to extend axially along the drain pipe interior surface, achieving both high intensity at the source and adequate coverage of the downstream end by leveraging the spatial dimension of beam propagation.
3Reliability
If the drain pipe passageway is narrowed by enclosing UV LEDs in a cylindrical quartz cover, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases and is not suitable for after market installations
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization function is extracted from a complex integrated OEM-style assembly and implemented as a standalone drain pipe section that can be independently installed. The UV-C LED module with quartz lens is positioned within the drain pipe section without requiring enclosure of the entire drain pipe passageway, simplifying the device structure while maintaining sterilization effectiveness and enabling easier after-market installation.
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 eliminates pathogens along the entire length of the drain pipe by ensuring maximum exposure to UV-C radiation, reducing the risk of pathogen entry into the sink basin and preventing the spread of biofilms, while being economical and easy to install without requiring specialized tools or sink basins.
Implementation Method 1
At least one UV-C LED module is positioned to register with the hole and includes a UV-C LED that when energized generates a radiation beam
Implementation Method 2
transmit UV-C light into the drain pipe section through the hole to irradiate at least a portion of the interior surface and expose airborne pathogens contained therein to UV-C light
Implementation Method 3
A lens is generally coextensive with the tubular wall and has a peripheral edge aligned with the hole... maximizing transmission of UV-C light through the lens
Data Source
AI summary
A device for disinfecting the interior of a drain pipe having a tubular wall formed with a hole between the sink drain inlet and the U-shaped trap. A UV-C LED module is positioned to register with the hole and includes a UV-C LED that generates a radiation beam having a predetermined radiation angle to transmit UV-C light into the drain pipe through the hole to irradiate at least a portion of said interior surface and expose airborne pathogens contained therein to UV-C light. A lens generally coextensive with the tubular wall has a peripheral edge aligned with the hole. The UV-C LED is spaced from the lens a distance to cause the radiation beam to extend up to but not beyond the peripheral edge of the lens to maximize transmission of UV-C light through the lens to maximize exposure of the interior surface and airborne pathogens to the UV-C light.