UV Lamp Alignment Verification System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UV light sanitizing systems face challenges in aligning UV lamps within enclosed spaces, such as aircraft lavatories, where occupancy sensors prevent direct measurement of UV irradiance, leading to inadequate validation of UV illumination and alignment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a UV sensor, UV recorder, and a movable pointer within a housing, allowing for remote alignment and validation of UV lamp placement, ensuring proper UV irradiance without requiring an individual to be present during testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a UV irradiance meter is placed in the target location for direct measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the occupancy sensor prevents the technician from being present to read the meter
Solution Approach 1:
A portable alignment system with integrated UV sensor and data recorder acts as an intermediary device. The system includes a UV sensor that detects UV light from the lamp, a data recorder that stores measurement data, and a pointer that indicates alignment status. This intermediary system enables measurement and validation without requiring technician presence in the occupied space during UV emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of direct visual reading of UV meters with an electronic detection and recording system. The UV sensor electronically detects irradiance levels, and the data recorder automatically stores measurements, eliminating the need for human presence to read analog or digital meter displays.
2Productivity
If the technician makes alignment adjustments based on estimates, then the alignment process can be completed, but adequate validation of UV illumination and alignment is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The portable alignment system provides real-time feedback through the UV sensor that detects actual UV irradiance levels, and the data recorder that stores measurement data for validation. This feedback mechanism enables technicians to make precise alignment adjustments based on actual measurement data rather than estimates, ensuring adequate validation while maintaining efficient alignment processes.
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 solution enables precise alignment and validation of UV lamp placement, reducing installation and testing time while ensuring effective UV irradiance on target components, even in occupied spaces.
Implementation Method 1
A UV sensor is coupled to the housing. The UV sensor is configured to detect UV light emitted from one or more UV light emitters of the UV lamp and output one or more signals indicative of the UV light.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for verifying a desired alignment of an ultraviolet (UV) lamp with respect to a target component include a housing. A UV sensor is coupled to the housing. The UV sensor is configured to detect UV light emitted from one or more UV light emitters of the UV lamp and output one or more signals indicative of the UV light. A UV recorder is coupled to the housing. The UV recorder is in communication with the UV sensor. The UV recorder is configured to receive the one or more signals from the UV sensor and store data regarding the one or more signals.