Curved Reflection Plates for Uniform UV Handrail Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultraviolet light-based handrail sterilization systems fail to effectively sterilize the side surfaces of escalators and moving walkways due to varying handrail sizes and shapes, and lack the ability to combine ultraviolet and thermal sterilization methods.
Innovation Solution
A light source module with a fixing plate, circuit board, and reflection plates with curved surfaces that adjust to ensure uniform light distribution and thermal sterilization, allowing for the simultaneous irradiation of ultraviolet light on both the upper and side surfaces of handrails, and a power module that can generate power through the movement of the handrail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single ultraviolet light emitting element is used for sterilization, then the device structure is simple, but the sterilization coverage is insufficient especially for side surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light source into multiple ultraviolet light emitting elements arranged in an array, with each element responsible for irradiating specific areas including top surfaces and side surfaces. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of handrail surfaces without requiring a single complex light source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reflection plates positioned at angles to redirect ultraviolet light onto side surfaces of the handrail. By adding this dimensional element (reflection plates), the system extends sterilization coverage from just the top surface to include vertical side surfaces that would otherwise be inaccessible.
2Device complexity
If the light source is fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the sterilization effectiveness varies with different handrail sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a movable platform that can adjust the position of the entire light source assembly. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to different handrail sizes and shapes, ensuring consistent sterilization effectiveness across various configurations by optimizing the distance and angle of light emission.
3Device complexity
If only ultraviolet sterilization is used, then the device structure is simple, but the overall sterilization power is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultraviolet sterilization with thermal sterilization by integrating a heating element alongside the ultraviolet light emitting elements. This merging of two different sterilization methods (UV and heat) creates a synergistic effect that enhances overall sterilization capability, addressing both microbial contamination and thermal decontamination requirements.
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 solution enables effective sterilization of handrail side surfaces without additional light sources, enhances sterilization power by combining ultraviolet and thermal methods, and allows for adjustable light source placement to accommodate different handrail configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting elements disposed on the circuit board in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
the first reflection plate and the second reflection plate include curved surfaces which become closer to each other as the distance from the circuit board increases
Data Source
AI summary
A light source module including a fixing plate configured to extend in a first direction; a circuit board disposed on the fixing plate; a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting elements disposed on the circuit board in the first direction; a first reflection plate disposed at one side of the fixing plate; and a second reflection plate disposed at the other side of the fixing plate. Further, the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting elements are disposed between the first reflection plate and the second reflection plate in the first direction.