UV Lamp Braid Contact Assembly for Heat-Stable Electrical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV light sanitization systems face issues with microbial resistance, prolonged disinfection times, human safety risks, unreliable electrical connections, and thermal instability in excimer lamps, particularly in vehicles like commercial aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for maintaining a reliable electrical connection using a conductive layer and mechanical restraining devices, such as tape or clamps, to secure the braid attachment of UV lamps, ensuring stable contact and heat dissipation, particularly for 222 nm excimer lamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a braid attachment is used to connect UV lamp to electrical coupling, then electrical connection is established, but heat generated by UV lamp causes connection failure
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive layer (such as copper foil or conductive adhesive) is introduced as an intermediary between the braid attachment and the UV lamp. This conductive layer maintains reliable electrical contact while distributing heat across a larger area, preventing localized overheating that would cause connection failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal management parameters of the electrical connection by using materials with higher thermal conductivity and larger surface area for heat dissipation. The conductive layer modifies the heat transfer characteristics to prevent temperature-induced connection failure.
2Productivity
If UVC light is used for sanitization, then microbes are killed, but microbes develop resistance over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between UVC light exposure and dark periods. This allows microbes that may have developed resistance during continuous exposure to be exposed to fresh UVC radiation in periodic cycles, preventing resistance accumulation and maintaining sanitization effectiveness over time.
3Productivity
If 254 nm UV light is used for disinfection, then sanitization is achieved, but human safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of UV light from 254 nm to 222 nm. This parameter change maintains the disinfection capability while eliminating the harmful effects on humans, as 222 nm UV light does not penetrate human skin or cause DNA damage, allowing operation in occupied spaces.
4Reliability
If tape is applied over braid attachment, then electrical connection is secured, but tape removal may pull grid line off
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layer serves as an intermediary that bonds to the braid attachment through heat or adhesive, providing a secure electrical connection without requiring tape. This eliminates the problem of tape removal damaging the grid line attachment while maintaining connection security.
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
Ensures safer and more effective sanitation by neutralizing microbes quickly while maintaining electrical contact and preventing thermal hotspots, enhancing the reliability and safety of UV lamp systems in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A conductive layer may be applied to the braid attachment at the compression area to provide greater area of electrical contact and spread heat to prevent a thermal hotspot.
Implementation Method 2
a UV lamp configured to emit sanitizing UV light
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for connecting an ultraviolet (UV) lamp with an electrical coupling includes a braid attachment coupled to the UV lamp, and a conductive layer secured to at least a portion of the braid attachment. In at least one example, the conductive layer includes a foil wrapped around the at least a portion of the braid attachment. In at least one example, a mechanical restraining device is configured to secure the braid attachment to the electrical coupling.