UV Lamp Braid Attachment With Compressive Wrap for Heat-Stable Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing UV sanitizing systems face challenges with maintaining reliable electrical connections, particularly in high-temperature environments, where connections to UV lamps can fail due to heat, leading to potential safety risks and reduced effectiveness in microbial disinfection.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a fiberglass compressive wrap with a conductive layer, secured with a clamp, to maintain a reliable connection between the UV lamp and electrical coupling, including a knot bonded with epoxy and a thermally capable material to manage heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a low temperature solder joint is used to attach an electrical braid to the UV lamp, then the lamp can be assembled, but the connection fails at high operating temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the attachment method from low-temperature soldering to high-temperature capable alternatives including mechanical crimping, welding, or high-temperature adhesives. This parameter change in the joining process enables the connection to withstand the high operating temperatures of UV lamps while maintaining assembly feasibility through standardized mechanical or thermal processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures at the connection point, combining heat-resistant materials such as ceramic or high-temperature polymers with the electrical braid and lamp housing. This composite approach creates a multi-material assembly that can handle both the electrical connection requirements and the high-temperature operating environment, preventing connection failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If tape is disposed over the braid attachment to secure it, then the connection is held in place, but the tape pulls the grid line off when removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a protective layer or reinforcement structure before applying the securing tape. This preliminary protective measure distributes the stress and prevents the tape from directly pulling on the grid line, thereby maintaining connection strength during both installation and removal processes while still achieving secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary element between the tape and the grid line attachment point. This intermediary component acts as a stress-distributing interface that prevents the tape from directly compromising the grid line connection, allowing secure mounting without damage during removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If the UV lamp operates at high temperature to generate UV light, then effective disinfection is achieved, but the electrical connection fails due to heat

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating temperatureVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the electrical connection point from the high-temperature zone by using thermal barriers, heat sinks, or extended connection paths that route the electrical braid away from the hottest regions of the lamp. This spatial separation allows the lamp to operate at high temperatures for effective disinfection while the electrical connection remains in a cooler, more stable environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal parameters of the connection system by introducing heat-resistant materials, thermal management structures, or alternative joining methods that can withstand high temperatures. This parameter change enables the electrical connection to maintain reliability throughout the high-temperature operation of the UV lamp without degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ensures a secure and reliable electrical connection that withstands high temperatures, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of UV sanitizing systems by preventing connection failures and maintaining consistent microbial disinfection performance.

Implementation Method 1

a compressive wrap secured around at least a portion of the braid attachment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

including a knot bonded with epoxy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3925632B1Systems and methods for maintaining electrical contact in relation to an ultraviolet lamp
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3925632B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3925632B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3925632B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A system for connecting an ultraviolet (UV) lamp with an electrical coupling includes a braid attachment coupled to the UV lamp, and one or both of a compressive wrap secured around at least a portion of the braid attachment, or a clamp secured around at least a portion of the braid attachment.