UV Humidifier Water Path for Bacterial Reduction Before Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humidifying apparatuses do not effectively reduce bacterial contamination in stored water before atomization, leading to potential health issues and equipment degradation.
Innovation Solution
A humidifying apparatus that irradiates water with UV radiation before atomization, with a delay between irradiation and atomization to enhance bacterial reduction, and includes agitation to increase the volume of water exposed to UV, using a UV transparent tube and reflective surfaces to maximize exposure, and a threshold inhibitor to prevent limescale precipitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV irradiation is applied to sterilize water in the reservoir, then bacterial contamination is reduced, but the treatment time required is insufficient due to stagnant water conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A vibrating element is introduced into the reservoir to create mechanical agitation of the water. This vibration increases water circulation and movement, ensuring that all water comes into contact with the UV irradiation source more effectively, thereby enhancing bacterial reduction without requiring extended treatment time
Solution Approach 2:
A pump system is implemented to create forced circulation of water within the reservoir. The pump moves water through the irradiation zone repeatedly, ensuring comprehensive UV treatment of all water volume. This hydraulic circulation allows the UV system to treat the entire water supply efficiently within a practical time frame
2Reliability
If a delay is introduced between UV irradiation and atomization to enhance bacterial reduction, then sterilization effectiveness improves, but the response time of the humidifying apparatus is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
UV irradiation is activated automatically whenever the reservoir is refilled or water level changes, performing preliminary sterilization before atomization begins. This preliminary action ensures water is pre-treated without requiring a separate delay period, as the sterilization occurs concurrently with normal operation cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The UV irradiation system operates continuously during periods when the humidifier is not actively atomizing, maintaining constant sterilization readiness. This continuous operation ensures water is always treated without interrupting the overall humidifying process or creating delays in response
3Ease of operation
If the water tank capacity is increased to reduce refilling frequency, then operational convenience improves, but the volume of water requiring UV treatment increases
Solution Approach 1:
A pump system is used to circulate and treat large volumes of water efficiently through the UV irradiation zone. The pump ensures that even in large tank capacities, all water passes through the treatment zone multiple times, maintaining effective bacterial reduction regardless of total water volume
Solution Approach 2:
Vibration elements create turbulent flow patterns that enhance mixing and circulation throughout the entire water volume. This mechanical agitation ensures uniform exposure of all water to UV radiation, allowing effective treatment of larger quantities without proportionally increasing treatment time
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
Significantly reduces bacterial contamination in the water, prolongs the life of the atomization device, and maintains a desired humidity level by controlling the atomization process based on humidity sensors.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating means for irradiating water in the reservoir with ultraviolet radiation
Implementation Method 2
vibrating a transducer in an agitation mode to agitate water in the reservoir
Implementation Method 3
vibrating a transducer in an atomization mode to atomize water in the reservoir to increase a humidity of the air flow
Data Source
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AI summary
Humidifying apparatus includes a housing defining a water reservoir, and a water tank mounted on the housing for supplying water to the reservoir. An air flow is conveyed over water stored in the reservoir and emitted from the apparatus. The water stored in the reservoir is irradiated by ultraviolet radiation and atomized by a transducer to humidify the air flow passing over the reservoir. A flow of water entering the reservoir is guided adjacent to, and preferably along, the ultraviolet radiation generator.