Compact UV Irradiation Apparatus with Segmented Electrode Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultraviolet irradiation apparatuses are too large for general-purpose sterilization and deodorization applications, such as sterilizing shoes, due to their bulky excimer lamp structure, limiting their usability and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A compact ultraviolet irradiation apparatus design featuring a first and second electrode block with recessed grooves, allowing a simple straight tube structure for the discharge lamp, reducing the apparatus' size while maintaining efficient light extraction through a light irradiation window, and incorporating a second discharge lamp for visible light emission to confirm the operation of the first discharge lamp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional excimer lamp structure with two coaxial tubular bodies is used, then ultraviolet light can be emitted for sterilization, but the apparatus size becomes too large for general-purpose applications such as shoe sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the electrode structure into two separate electrode blocks (first electrode block and second electrode block) positioned apart from each other, replacing the conventional single integrated lamp structure. This segmentation allows the discharge lamp to be a simple straight tube that can be partially fitted into recessed grooves on both electrode blocks, significantly reducing the overall apparatus volume while maintaining the ability to emit ultraviolet light for sterilization purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention repositions the electrodes from a coaxial arrangement (one inside the other) to a spatial separation arrangement where the first and second electrode blocks are located apart from each other in the first direction. This dimensional change allows the discharge lamp to extend between the electrode blocks, enabling a more compact overall structure that fits small spaces like shoes while still generating effective ultraviolet radiation
2Volume of moving object
If a simple straight tube structure is used for the discharge lamp, then the apparatus size is reduced, but electrical connection and voltage application become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the electrical connection function into the electrode blocks themselves. The first electrode block is electrically connected to a first current-carrying member, and the second electrode block is electrically connected to a second current-carrying member. The discharge lamp makes electrical contact with both electrode blocks, which are positioned apart from each other. This merging approach simplifies the overall structure by integrating the electrical connection system into the electrode blocks rather than requiring separate connection mechanisms for each end of the straight tube discharge lamp
3Device complexity
If the electrode blocks are positioned apart from each other, then the discharge lamp can be a simple straight tube, but ensuring reliable electrical insulation and voltage application becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the first and second current-carrying members as intermediaries to apply voltage between the first electrode block and the second electrode block. These current-carrying members facilitate reliable electrical connection to each electrode block while maintaining the spatial separation between them. The discharge lamp, positioned between the electrode blocks, receives voltage through this intermediary system, ensuring stable electrical discharge and consistent ultraviolet light emission despite the separated electrode configuration
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 design achieves a significantly downsized ultraviolet irradiation apparatus capable of emitting high-intensity ultraviolet light for effective sterilization and deodorization without increasing the apparatus' scale, with the visible light confirmation feature ensuring safe and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage is applied to the discharge gas 123G through the tubular bodies of the outer tube 121 and the inner tube 122 so that a discharge plasma is generated in a discharge space filled with the discharge gas 123G
Implementation Method 2
atoms of the discharge gas 123G are excited into the excimer state, and excimer emission occurs when the atoms shift to the ground state
Data Source
AI summary
A ultraviolet irradiation apparatus includes: a first electrode block and a second electrode block located apart from each other in a first direction or located in an electrically-insulated state in the first direction; a recessed groove formed on a side surface of each of both the blocks; a first discharge lamp partially fitted into the recessed grooves formed in both the blocks and located across the both blocks; a power supply part for supplying electrical power to the first discharge lamp; a first current-carrying member electrically connecting the first electrode block and the power supply part; a second current-carrying member capable of electrically connecting the second electrode block and the power supply part at an electrical potential different from that of the first current-carrying member; and a light irradiation window for extracting ultraviolet light emitted from the first discharge lamp to outside.