UV Lamp Centering with Biasing Elements for Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UV lamp systems pose risks of electrical shock, exposure to UV-C radiation, and extreme heat during lamp removal, and existing solutions do not completely mitigate these hazards.
Innovation Solution
The UV lamp system incorporates thermally conductive biasing elements, such as metallic springs, to center and secure the lamp tube within a quartz tube, providing improved heat dissipation and vibration damping, while maintaining a symmetric temperature profile and enhancing safety by reducing exposure risks during maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional UV lamp systems are used, then the lamp can provide ultraviolet light for water treatment, but the system poses risks of electrical shock, exposure to UV-C radiation, and extreme heat during lamp removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a quartz tube as an intermediary barrier between the UV lamp and the external environment. This quartz tube contains the UV-C radiation and prevents direct exposure during lamp removal, while also providing electrical isolation. The end caps with integrated handles serve as intermediaries that allow operators to manipulate the lamp assembly without direct contact with electrical components or UV radiation sources.
2Reliability
If the lamp tube is secured within the quartz tube, then vibration resistance is improved, but the lamp tube may be subjected to thermal stress from extreme heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs biasing elements (springs or elastomeric components) that are pre-compressed or pre-tensioned to create a cushioning effect. These elements are positioned between the end caps and the lamp tube to absorb thermal expansion forces before they can cause damage, while simultaneously providing vibration damping. The biasing elements are designed to maintain contact pressure that secures the lamp tube against vibration while accommodating thermal growth.
3Temperature
If thermally conductive biasing elements are used to center the lamp tube, then heat dissipation is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the end caps to serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical connections to the lamp tube, mechanical support and centering, thermal conduction pathways, and vibration damping. The biasing elements are integrated into the end cap structure rather than being separate components, and the end caps themselves are shaped to contact the quartz tube for additional thermal conduction. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed.
4Temperature
If the end caps are designed to center the lamp tube coaxially within the quartz tube, then the temperature profile symmetry is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs biasing elements that are elastic or spring-based, allowing the lamp tube assembly to dynamically adjust and self-center within the quartz tube. Rather than relying on rigid, precision-machined positioning features, the biasing elements provide a compliant mechanism that automatically centers the lamp tube through elastic deformation, accommodating manufacturing tolerances while achieving symmetric thermal conditions.
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 solution increases the reliability and lifetime of UV lamps by reducing the risk of electrical shock and exposure to UV radiation, improving heat flow, and making the system more resistant to vibration, thus ensuring safer and more efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
thermally conductive biasing elements disposed about respective peripheries of each of the first end cap and second end cap
Implementation Method 2
the thermally conductive biasing elements contact an inner surface of the quartz tube, support the lamp tube within the quartz tube, and dampen vibrations passing from the quartz tube to the first and second end caps
Implementation Method 3
a lamp tube including a gas that emits ultraviolet light responsive to electrical excitation
Data Source
AI summary
A water treatment system includes an actinic radiation reactor and at least one ultraviolet (UV) lamp disposed within a quartz tube within the actinic radiation reactor. The at least one UV lamp includes a lamp tube including a gas that emits ultraviolet light responsive to electrical excitation, a first pinch extending from a first end of the lamp tube and a second pinch extending from a second end of the lamp tube, and a first end cap coupled to the first pinch and a second end cap coupled to the second pinch. The first end cap and second end cap are dimensioned to center the lamp tube coaxially within the quartz tube.