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
Engineering 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
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.
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.
2Reliability
If a large UV lamp is disposed on the heat exchanger surface, then sterilization coverage is improved, but air channel uniformity deteriorates
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.
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.
3Reliability
If only UV lamp is used for sterilization, then sterilization function is provided, but moisture removal capability deteriorates
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.
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.
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)
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
Data Source
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.


