UV Humidifier Air Path Sterilization for Bacteria and Mold Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidifiers often circulate bacteria and mold into the ambient environment, particularly after repeated uses, due to the accumulation of microorganisms and solid contaminants in the water reservoir, which can cause discomfort and health issues for allergy sufferers and increase the risk of colds.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes an ultrasonic nebulizer and an ultraviolet light source to sterilize the humidified air before it is released into the environment, using a point-of-use humidifier with a toroidally shaped water reservoir and a blower to direct untreated air through a germicidal UV lamp, along with carbon block filters and hardness removal units to purify the water supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an ultraviolet lamp is used to sterilize water in the reservoir, then the water is sterilized, but microorganisms accumulate downstream of the reservoir and solid contaminants build up in the reservoir and other portions of the humidifier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sterilization function into multiple locations: an ultraviolet lamp within the reservoir and additional ultraviolet lamps in the air stream path. This segmentation ensures that both water and aerosolized particles are sterilized at different stages, preventing microorganism accumulation downstream and addressing contaminant buildup in various portions of the humidifier system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary sterilization to the water in the reservoir before it is atomized, and also applies sterilization to the air stream after atomization but before discharge. This preliminary action at multiple stages prevents microorganisms and contaminants from accumulating in downstream areas and being circulated into the environment
2Productivity
If the humidifier circulates humidified air into the ambient environment, then humidity is increased, but bacteria and mold are also circulated causing discomfort and health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ultraviolet lamps as an intermediary sterilization mechanism in the air stream path between the reservoir and the ambient environment. This intermediary sterilization step eliminates bacteria and mold from the humidified air before it is discharged, allowing the humidifier to maintain high productivity while preventing harmful microorganism circulation
Solution Approach 2:
The ultraviolet radiation acts as a strong oxidizing agent that accelerates the destruction of microorganisms in the air stream. This allows effective sterilization of the humidified air without interfering with the humidification process, enabling the system to maintain high productivity while eliminating health risks from bacteria and mold circulation
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 disperses sterilized humidified air, reducing the presence of viable microorganisms and solid contaminants, thereby minimizing health risks and improving air quality by ensuring the air is free of bacteria and mold before release.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic nebulizer... converts the supply of water into an atomized mist
Implementation Method 2
ultraviolet light source... exposes the resulting humidified air with germicidal light
Data Source
AI summary
A humidifier for treating humidified air with germicidal light is provided. The humidifier includes a water reservoir, an atomizer to atomize a supply of water, and an ultraviolet light source to expose the atomized water to germicidal light. The ultraviolet light source extends vertically within a cylindrical channel to irradiate the atomized water dissipating upwardly from the atomizer. The water reservoir can include a carbon filter and a hardness-removing module for removing containments and metal oxides from the water supply. A control panel indicates the remaining useful life of the ultraviolet light source, the carbon filter and the hardness-removing module based on historical humidifier usage and water quality levels.