UV Vehicle Hatch Assembly for Safe In-Cabin Air Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purification systems in vehicles, particularly buses, face challenges related to space occupancy, safety concerns due to direct UV exposure, and reliability issues when using UV light sources for air purification, which are costly and not suitable for mobile applications.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle hatch assembly with a housing containing a UV light source between air inlets and outlets, equipped with light traps and UV protection coatings to prevent direct UV exposure, and dedicated air propulsion devices to enhance air circulation and purification without occupying additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light sources are used for air purification, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but safety deteriorates due to direct UV exposure to users
Solution Approach 1:
The internal housing space is segmented into multiple regions using light traps and reflective surfaces, creating distinct zones that guide UV light along a controlled path between air inlet and outlet while preventing direct exposure to users
Solution Approach 2:
Light traps act as intermediary elements that intercept and redirect UV light, ensuring the radiation follows a predetermined path through the air flow channel and does not escape to the external environment where users are present
2Reliability
If additional air purification devices are mounted within the passenger compartment, then air purification effectiveness is improved, but space availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air purification function is merged with the existing hatch assembly structure, integrating the UV light source, air propulsion device, and light traps into a single compact unit that replaces or supplements the hatch rather than adding separate purification equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The hatch assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: air intake, air outlet, air propulsion, UV purification, and light trapping, all within a single structural component that serves both as a hatch and a purification system
3Reliability
If UV light sources are implemented for air purification, then air purification capability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates due to mounting arrangements and structural intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The purification system components (UV light source, air propulsion device, light traps) are merged into a single integrated housing assembly that can be mounted as one unit, reducing the complexity of multiple separate mounting arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The hatch assembly is designed to be removable and replaceable, allowing the purification system to be dynamically installed or removed from the vehicle without permanent structural modifications, thereby reducing installation complexity
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 effectively purifies air by neutralizing harmful pathogens while minimizing space usage, reducing component count, and ensuring passenger safety by containing UV light within the assembly, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
UV-C light, i.e. ultraviolet radiation with wavelength between 100 and 280 nm, is particularly effective at disrupting DNA of viruses such as COVID-19, so that the virus can no longer reproduce itself
Implementation Method 2
it comprises at least one light trap configured to prevent the UV light from escaping the housing through the air inlet and/or the air outlet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6b
AI summary
A vehicle hatch assembly (100) adapted to be mounted in a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a housing (2) and at least one air inlet (3) and at least one air outlet (4), an air propulsion device (5a, 5b) configured to force the air movement between the air inlet (3) and the air outlet (4), and a UV light source (6) located within the housing (2) between the air inlet (3) and the air outlet (4).