Quick-Release UV Lamp Mounting for Airtight HVAC Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and replacement of UV lights in HVAC units are difficult and time-consuming due to existing lamp structures and mounting mechanisms, requiring substantial tool use, which hinders efficient sterilization of air and surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A quick release mounting system with a socket and mounting base that allows for easy installation, removal, and replacement of UV lights from either an external or internal direction, enabling tool-free operation and air-tight sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounting mechanisms are used for UV lights in HVAC units, then the installation is secure and reliable, but the installation and replacement process becomes difficult and time-consuming requiring substantial tool use
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is divided into separate modular components: a mounting base that attaches to the HVAC unit, a socket assembly that receives the UV light, and the UV light itself. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed and replaced, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining security and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket assembly incorporates a dynamic quick-release mechanism with spring-loaded clips and movable engagement structures. These dynamic elements allow the UV light to be quickly inserted and secured without tools, while automatically maintaining proper electrical and mechanical connections throughout operation.
2Productivity
If traditional mounting mechanisms are used for UV lights in HVAC units, then the mounting is stable, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting base is pre-installed on the HVAC unit with integrated electrical connections and mounting features already in place. The socket assembly is designed with pre-positioned engagement structures that automatically align with the mounting base, eliminating the need for alignment adjustments during UV light replacement and significantly reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV light is extracted as a completely separate, self-contained module that can be removed from the socket assembly by simply releasing the quick-release clips. This extraction design allows the UV light to be replaced in seconds without disturbing the mounting base, electrical connections, or HVAC unit structure.
3Ease of operation
If traditional mounting mechanisms are used for UV lights in HVAC units, then the mounting is secure, but substantial tool use is required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism incorporates self-aligning features and self-securing elements that automatically perform the mounting function without external tools. The spring-loaded clips self-engagement with the mounting base, and the electrical contacts self-align and self-connect when the UV light is inserted, making the entire installation process tool-free and simplifying both installation and maintenance operations.
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
Facilitates rapid and efficient installation and replacement of UV lights, improving air quality by enabling quick and tool-free handling, while ensuring air-tight seals and compatibility with both soft and hard quartz lights, suitable for various HVAC configurations.
Implementation Method 1
Germicidal UV light rays can be used for inactivating microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria disposed on surfaces of an HVAC unit and within air moving through an HVAC unit.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are devices and methods for mounting a lamp, wherein the lamp may include a light and a mounting assembly that may be configured to enable a quick release installation of the light. The light may be a UV light, and the light may be mounted to an external or an internal surface of an HVAC unit via a mounting assembly which may include a bracket, a mounting base, and/or a socket. The base and socket may have complementary engagement structures that allow the base to engage the socket from either of a first axial direction and a second axial direction.