UV Discharge Lamp Repositioning for Wider Sterilization Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultraviolet lamp apparatuses are limited in efficiency and versatility for UV light propagation, particularly in disinfection and sterilization applications, as they are often designed for specific uses and do not effectively distribute UV light over large areas or vary the angle of incidence, and require cumbersome safety measures to protect users from intense visible light.
Innovation Solution
The development of ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses featuring a germicidal lamp, a base, a support structure, and an automated actuator for repositioning the lamp, along with a processor and storage medium to control the actuator, allowing for continuous or periodic repositioning during UV emission, and optionally including a reflector system to redirect light and an optical filter to attenuate visible light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discharge lamps are used to generate ultraviolet light for disinfection and sterilization, then the effectiveness of microorganism deactivation is improved, but the harmful visible light exposure to users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the broad spectrum light into specific wavelength components using optical filters. The filter transmits only the germicidal UV range (200-320 nm) while blocking harmful visible light, thus separating the beneficial effect from the harmful effect.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the discharge lamp and the treated environment. This intermediary selectively transmits UV wavelengths while absorbing or reflecting visible light, mediating between the lamp's broad spectrum output and the desired narrow band germicidal output.
2Reliability
If apparatuses are designed for specific disinfection applications with fixed lamp positioning, then the treatment effectiveness for targeted items is improved, but the versatility for treating different items and areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic positioning capabilities where the discharge lamp can be moved or adjusted to different positions and orientations. This allows the same apparatus to effectively treat various items and areas by adapting the lamp's position, thereby maintaining treatment effectiveness across diverse applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed with universal features including adjustable positioning mechanisms and controllable UV emission that enable it to perform multiple disinfection functions. The system can treat different types of items (surfaces, air, water) and adapt to various application scenarios, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining effective germicidal treatment.
3Illumination intensity
If pulsed ultraviolet light technology using xenon flashlamps is used to generate broad spectrum light, then the intensity and coverage of light propagation is improved, but the complexity of safety provisions required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful broad spectrum output into a beneficial narrow band germicidal source by using optical filters. The filter blocks harmful visible and infrared components while transmitting the desired UV wavelengths, thus transforming the harmful broad spectrum characteristic into a beneficial selective germicidal output.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical filters serve as intermediary components that simplify safety provisions by selectively transmitting only germicidal UV wavelengths. This intermediary component eliminates the need for complex shielding and safety mechanisms that would otherwise be required to protect users from intense visible and infrared radiation.
4Productivity
If UV light is propagated over large areas with varying angles of incidence, then the efficiency of disinfection coverage is improved, but the complexity of the apparatus configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning and orientation control of the discharge lamp to achieve varying angles of incidence on target surfaces. The lamp can be moved and angled to optimize UV exposure on different surfaces and areas, improving disinfection coverage efficiency while using a relatively simple positioning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds spatial dimensionality to UV propagation by enabling the lamp to operate from multiple positions and angles. This multi-dimensional approach allows comprehensive coverage of large areas and complex geometries by treating surfaces from optimal angles, thereby improving disinfection efficiency without requiring overly complex apparatus configurations.
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 configuration enhances the efficiency and versatility of UV light distribution, allowing for comprehensive disinfection and sterilization of areas and objects by optimizing light propagation and reducing the need for cumbersome safety measures, while ensuring effective UV exposure.
Implementation Method 1
UV irradiation in the spectrum between approximately 200 nm and approximately 320 nm is effective in deactivating and, in some cases, killing microorganisms
Implementation Method 2
an automated actuator for moving the base and the germicidal lamp relative to the support structure
Implementation Method 3
such that at least some light generated by the germicidal lamp is propagated to a region which encircles the apparatus
Implementation Method 4
provisions such as containing the pulsed light within the confines of the apparatus or shielding windows of a room in which a room decontamination unit is used may be needed
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses are disclosed having an ultraviolet lamp, a base supporting the lamp and a support structure coupled to the base. In some cases, the apparatuses include an automated actuator for moving the base and the lamp relative to the support structure and program instructions for activating the automated actuator such that the base and the lamp are repositioned relative to the support structure, sometimes continuously or periodically, while the lamp is emitting ultraviolet light. In other cases, the apparatuses include a reflector arranged along a longitudinal side of the lamp, an automated actuator for providing rotational movement of the reflector relative to the support structure, and program instructions for activating the automated actuator such that the reflector is repositioned relative to the support structure while the lamp is emitting ultraviolet light.