UV-IR Lamp Module Layout for Uniform Air Conditioner Sterilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioners with UV sterilizer devices face issues with space efficiency and uniform air sterilization due to large UV lamps, which can lead to incomplete sterilization and mold formation from moisture.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a UV sterilization module with a porous main body and multiple smaller UV lamps, arranged in parallel, along with infrared (IR) lamps, to enhance sterilization efficiency and prevent mold growth by uniformly sterilizing air and removing moisture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large UV lamp is used for sterilization, then sterilization capability is improved, but space efficiency deteriorates and air channel uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization capabilityVSAvoidspace efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a single large UV lamp into multiple smaller UV lamps arranged in parallel. This segmentation allows the sterilization function to be distributed across multiple compact units, improving space efficiency while maintaining or enhancing sterilization capability through broader coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-point sterilization approach (one large lamp) to a distributed multi-point approach (multiple small lamps arranged in parallel). This dimensional change in arrangement enables uniform sterilization across the air channel while reducing the volume occupied by each individual lamp.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a large UV lamp is disposed on the heat exchanger surface, then sterilization coverage is improved, but air channel uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization coverageVSAvoidair channel uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the sterilization function into multiple small UV lamps arranged in parallel, the patent achieves both comprehensive coverage and uniform air channel treatment. Each small lamp treats a specific zone, and collectively they provide uniform sterilization across the entire air channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by positioning multiple small UV lamps at different locations to treat different zones of the air channel uniformly. Each lamp provides focused sterilization to its local area, and the combined effect achieves uniform overall coverage without blocking air flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If only UV lamp is used for sterilization, then sterilization function is provided, but moisture removal capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization functionVSAvoidmoisture remaining
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sterilization function (UV lamp) with the moisture removal function (infrared lamp) into a single integrated module. This combination allows simultaneous or sequential operation of both functions, eliminating moisture that would otherwise promote mold growth after sterilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lamp module achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both UV sterilization and infrared moisture removal capabilities. This universal design addresses two separate problems (sterilization and moisture control) with a single integrated solution, preventing mold formation more effectively than either function alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration improves space efficiency, ensures uniform air sterilization, and effectively prevents mold formation by using smaller UV lamps and IR lamps to manage moisture, enhancing the overall performance and longevity of the air conditioner.

Implementation Method 1

a UV lamp (764) arranged on a porous main body (762), wherein the UV lamp (764) generates UV rays to sterilize harmful substances in the air which has passed through the porous main body (762)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV sterilization: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 2

an infrared lamp (765) arranged on the porous main body (762), wherein the infrared lamp (765) generates infrared rays to remove moisture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation heating: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10551075B2Air conditioner
Publication Date: 2020.02.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US10551075B2 patent drawing
  • US10551075B2 patent drawing
  • US10551075B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An air conditioner is provided that may include a main body having an air inlet and an air outlet; a filter received in the main body to filter air; a heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between a refrigerant and air suctioned into the main body; and a lamp module configured to radiate ultraviolet (UV) rays and infrared (IR) rays to the heat exchanger. The lamp module may include a porous main body, a plurality of UV lamps, and a plurality of IR lamps. The plurality of UV lamps and the plurality of IR lamps may be arranged in parallel on one surface of the porous main body at predetermined intervals.