UV Hydroxyl Generator Layout for Long-Range Air Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purification devices using UV radiation are limited in their ability to effectively disinfect and deodorize large indoor spaces and surfaces, as they can only purify air directly adjacent to the UV sources, failing to reach objects at a distance or within large areas like warehouses.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a housing with multiple UV-lamps generating UV radiation that creates long-lived hydroxyls, which are distributed through the air to reach and disinfect/deodorize objects by filling the space with overlapping UV coronas and moist air, allowing the hydroxyls to travel significant distances and persist for extended periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If UV-radiation sources are used to purify air, then air purification is achieved, but the effective range is limited to direct proximity of the UV sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of hydroxyl generation by using UV radiation wavelength 170-270nm to create long-lived hydroxyls that persist for seconds to minutes, enabling them to travel farther and expand the effective purification area beyond the immediate vicinity of UV sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air movement systems (fans, blowers, HVAC integration) as intermediaries to transport hydroxyls from the UV radiation zone to distant areas, allowing the beneficial effects to reach locations far from the UV sources while maintaining adequate concentration
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air is drawn through UV-radiation banks for purification, then air cleaning is effective, but surfaces of objects at a distance cannot be disinfected
Solution Approach 1:
Air currents serve as intermediaries that carry long-lived hydroxyls over distances to reach object surfaces, enabling disinfection of surfaces located away from UV sources while the hydroxyls maintain their reactive capability throughout the transport path
Solution Approach 2:
The extended lifetime of hydroxyls generated by 170-270nm UV radiation allows them to withstand transport over longer distances without decomposing, enabling surface disinfection at greater distances from the UV radiation banks
3Volume of stationary object
If conventional UV devices are used in large indoor settings, then local air purification is achieved, but large volume purification is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates hydroxyls with extended lifetime (seconds to minutes) compared to conventional short-lived hydroxyls, allowing them to persist and accumulate in large indoor volumes, thereby achieving effective purification of large spaces without requiring proportional increases in UV source density
Solution Approach 2:
Air circulation systems act as intermediaries to distribute hydroxyls throughout large indoor volumes, ensuring uniform coverage and maintaining adequate hydroxyl availability across the entire space rather than just near the UV sources
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 method generates 'superior hydroxyls' that can effectively decontaminate and deodorize volatile organic compounds at distances over 10 feet away and persist for several minutes after the device is turned off, capable of treating large volumes of air and surfaces, including those far from the generator.
Implementation Method 1
Hydroxyls are ions of chemical formula O-H which exist in nature and typically are formed by the interaction of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and atmospheric water vapor: H2O + UV-radiation ----------→ H + OH
Data Source
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AI summary
Superior hydroxyls are provided which have effects on organic and inorganic compounds and/or pollutants over substantial periods of time and/or at substantial distances from where the superior hydroxyls are generated. Also provided is a hydroxyl generator, in which UV-lamps are positioned such that the coronas which they produce when emitting UV-radiation fill substantially all of the interior space of the hydroxyl generator. The coronas overlap each other by a maximum amount of between 5% and 25% of the radius of each corona.