UV-C Reflective Airflow System for Volumetric Pathogen Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pathogen reduction systems are inefficient and ineffective at killing pathogens due to limited UV-C illumination and improper pathogen exposure, especially in large-scale applications, with UV-C power specifications defined in watts per cm² rather than per unit volume, leading to inadequate pathogen reduction.
Innovation Solution
An airflow system with a UV-C emitter and a highly reflective surface in the illumination chamber, coupled with a pressure generator to enhance UV-C power and ensure effective pathogen reduction, featuring a device with an intake, outlet, and a flow path that includes a UV-C reflective surface to increase optical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing pathogen reduction systems use UV-C illumination with limited sized illumination cavities, then the system structure is simple, but the pathogen reduction effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from defining UV-C power in watts per cm² (area-based) to watts per unit volume (volume-based), fundamentally changing the dimensional approach to power specification. This allows for adequate pathogen reduction in large-scale applications by considering the three-dimensional volume of air that passes through the illumination chamber, rather than just the surface area of the illumination cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter for UV-C power specification from watts per cm² to watts per unit volume. This parameter change enables proper scaling for large-scale applications by accounting for the volumetric flow of air and the corresponding UV-C energy delivery, ensuring adequate pathogen reduction effectiveness throughout the entire air stream.
2Productivity
If existing systems define UV-C power in watts per cm2, then the specification is based on area, but the pathogen reduction is inadequate for large scale applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power specification parameter from area-based (watts per cm²) to volume-based (watts per unit volume). This ensures that UV-C power is adequately scaled to match the volumetric flow rate of air being treated, providing sufficient pathogen reduction capability for large-scale applications while maintaining productivity.
3Reliability
If mask wearing is used to reduce pathogen transmission, then pathogen reduction effectiveness is high, but user comfort and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical barrier method (masks) with a UV-C illumination system that treats air chemically/radiation-based. Instead of physically blocking pathogens with masks, the system uses UV-C light to inactivate pathogens in the air stream, providing the same protective effect without the discomfort and inconvenience of mask wearing.
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 pathogens in a breathable airstream by enhancing UV-C illumination, providing improved pathogen reduction capabilities in various environments, including rooms and enclosed spaces.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of a UV generator and a UV-C emitter optically coupled to the flow path
Implementation Method 2
a portion of the flow path includes a UV-C highly reflective surface that increases the power contained within the illumination chamber well above the power emitted from the UV generator
Implementation Method 3
a pressure generator fluidly connected to the airstream intake, the pressure generator configured to impart a flow from the airstream intake to the airstream outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An air flow system for reducing pathogens in a breathable airstream in an environment has a device having an airstream intake for receiving a volume of untreated air located in a first position, an airstream outlet for expelling a volume of treated air, the airstream outlet located in a second position extending above the first position, a flow path extending between the airstream intake and the airstream outlet, at least one of a UV generator and a UV-C emitter optically coupled to the flow path, a power source operably connected to the one of the at least one of the UV generator and the UV emitter, and a pressure generator fluidly connected to the airstream intake, the pressure generator configured to impart a flow from the airstream intake to the airstream outlet, wherein the pressure generator can be at least one of a force of flow from in line pressurized source or provided by a fan within the housing, and wherein a portion of the flow path includes a UV-C highly reflective surface.