UV-C Lighting Module for Independent Surface Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transit vehicles face challenges in efficiently disinfecting interior surfaces due to the time-consuming and labor-intensive nature of existing cleaning methods, which are further exacerbated during pandemic periods, requiring innovative solutions that do not disrupt vehicle operations or require extensive modifications.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle surface disinfectant system that integrates ultra-violet (UV) light elements into existing lighting modules, allowing for controlled UV light emission independent of visible light, with remote activation and sensors for monitoring, enabling efficient disinfection without modifying the vehicle's structure or wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cleaning crews use disinfectant sprays or liquids to clean interior surfaces, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cleaning system (cleaning crews manually applying disinfectant sprays or liquids) with an optical system (UV-C light elements) that automatically disinfects surfaces. The UV-C light elements emit ultraviolet radiation that kills microorganisms on contact, eliminating the need for manual cleaning intervention and significantly reducing the time required for disinfection while maintaining or improving effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle to disinfect itself automatically through integrated UV-C light elements that are activated without human intervention. The control system automatically triggers UV-C emission during designated periods, allowing the vehicle to perform its own disinfection function without requiring external cleaning crews, thereby reducing both time and labor requirements.
2Reliability
If cleaning crews are increased to improve disinfection coverage, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but operational costs and staffing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human labor-based cleaning system with an automated optical disinfection system. Multiple UV-C light elements are strategically positioned throughout the vehicle interior to provide comprehensive coverage without requiring additional staff. The system is controlled automatically, eliminating the complexity of coordinating and managing cleaning crews while maintaining or improving disinfection coverage.
3Ease of manufacture
If UV light elements are integrated into existing lighting modules, then ease of installation is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the UV-C disinfection function with the existing lighting infrastructure by integrating UV-C light elements into current lighting modules. This merging approach allows the system to utilize existing mounting locations, electrical connections, and control systems, thereby simplifying installation while adding the disinfection capability. The dual-function modules reduce the need for separate installation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting modules are designed to serve multiple functions: traditional illumination and UV-C disinfection. By making the lighting system universal, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated UV-C lighting infrastructure, thereby reducing installation complexity. The same module housing and electrical connections support both visible light for illumination and UV-C light for disinfection, streamlining the overall system architecture.
4Reliability
If UV light is emitted independently of visible light, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting module into functionally independent components: visible light elements for illumination and UV-C light elements for disinfection. Each type of light element can be controlled independently through separate control circuits and timing mechanisms. This segmentation allows the UV-C disinfection function to operate autonomously during designated periods without requiring visible light, while maintaining simple control logic through modular design.
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
The system effectively reduces microbial contamination by emitting UV light during designated periods, ensuring safety and efficiency while maintaining vehicle operations, without the need for extensive modifications or additional labor, thus providing a cost-effective and efficient disinfection solution.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultra-violet (UV) light element disposed in the housing... the at least one UV light element is activated to emit UV light
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle surface disinfectant system (20) includes a lighting module (22) having at least one ultra-violet (UV) light element (26) and at least one visible light element (28). The UV light element(s) (26) and the visible light element(s) (28) may be at least partially separately electrically actuated for the visible light element(s) (28) to emit visible light while the UV light element(s) (26) is off. The lighting module (22) may be inserted into a lighting receptacle in an interior of a vehicle.