UV Germicidal Sanitizing System with Occupancy-Based Shutter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Germicidal sanitizing systems using ultraviolet light face challenges in safely controlling UV exposure to prevent harm to humans, as existing systems lack effective mechanisms to automatically adjust UV transmission based on occupancy.
Innovation Solution
A UV light germicidal sanitizing system that includes a UV light generating unit with a shutter and sensors to detect human presence, coupled with a control system that adjusts the shutter's position based on occupancy signals to control UV light transmission, ensuring safe operation when the space is occupied and effective sanitizing when unoccupied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light is transmitted into the enclosed space for sanitizing, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but human safety deteriorates due to harmful UV exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting occupancy status before transmitting UV light. The occupancy sensor detects whether the space is occupied, and the control system uses this information to determine whether to activate the UV light source, preventing harmful exposure before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the occupancy sensor continuously monitors the space and provides real-time information to the control system. This feedback loop ensures that UV light transmission is dynamically adjusted based on current occupancy conditions, maintaining safety while enabling sanitization when appropriate
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shutter mechanism is added to control UV light transmission, then human safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism serves as an intermediary element between the UV light source and the enclosed space. This mediator physically controls light transmission by moving between open and closed positions, providing a simple and reliable method to prevent UV exposure without requiring complex electronic control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a simple mechanical shutter mechanism. Instead of using sophisticated electronic modulators or variable intensity controls, the system uses a straightforward mechanical barrier that is either open or closed, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining effective UV light control
3Ease of operation
If automatic occupancy detection and control is implemented, then safety and effectiveness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs multiple functions using a single integrated unit. It processes occupancy sensor signals, controls the shutter mechanism, and manages UV light transmission based on occupancy conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving automatic operation
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 ensures safe operation by preventing UV exposure to humans when occupied and efficiently sanitizes enclosed spaces when unoccupied, effectively balancing safety and sanitization needs.
Implementation Method 1
The UV light source is positioned within the housing and generates radiation in the UVC band of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum through the aperture
Implementation Method 2
Germicidal sanitizing with ultraviolet (UV) light generally involves exposing an area or an enclosed space to a UV light source
Data Source
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AI summary
An ultraviolet (UV) light germicidal sanitizing system for use in an enclosed space comprises a room occupancy sensor, a door sensor, a UV light generating unit, and a control software application. The room occupancy sensor is positioned in the enclosed space and generates a first signal indicating that the enclosed space is either occupied or unoccupied. The room occupancy sensor is implemented with a door providing access to the enclosed space and generates a second signal indicating that the door is either open or closed. The UV light generating unit receives the first and second signals and generates UV light into the enclosed space if the first signal indicates that the enclosed space is unoccupied and the second signal indicates that the door is closed. The control software application generates commands for the UV light generating unit to start generating UV light and to stop generating UV light.