Adaptive UV Lamp Power Control for Vehicle Cabin Sanitization

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a system and method to manage power among UV lamps and other powered sub-systems in vehicles, such as commercial aircraft, to efficiently and effectively apportion and predict power usage.

Innovation Solution

A power management system that includes a power management control unit communicating with UV light sub-systems and other powered sub-systems within a vehicle. This control unit adaptively controls power supply based on power usage data, allowing for different power levels to be provided to various UV light sub-systems and other sub-systems as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If UV lamps operate at full capacity to sanitize surfaces effectively, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management by adjusting UV lamp power output based on real-time conditions. The system transitions from static full-power operation to dynamic adaptive operation, modulating power levels according to sanitization needs, available power, and environmental conditions to resolve the contradiction between maintaining effectiveness and reducing consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by adjusting power supply levels to UV lamps based on multiple factors including sanitization effectiveness requirements, available power from generators, ambient temperature, and humidity. This parameter adjustment allows the system to operate at optimal power levels rather than constant full capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If power is allocated uniformly to all UV light sub-systems, then each sub-system receives adequate power, but overall power efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesub-system power adequacyVSAvoidpower efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by distributing power differently to different UV sub-systems based on their specific needs and environmental conditions. Each zone (cabin, cargo hold, lavatory) receives customized power allocation according to local sanitization requirements, ambient conditions, and priority levels, rather than uniform power distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments power allocation by dividing the vehicle into multiple zones with independent UV sub-systems (cabin, cargo hold, lavatory). Each segment is managed separately with its own power control, allowing prioritized power distribution to critical areas while reducing power to less critical areas when power is limited.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If power management systems monitor and adjust power to multiple sub-systems, then power allocation efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower allocation efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power management control unit serves multiple functions: monitoring power generation capacity, tracking consumption across UV sub-systems and other vehicle systems, adjusting power allocation, and predicting future power needs. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single universal controller rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where the power management control unit continuously monitors power generation, consumption, and environmental conditions, then adjusts power allocation accordingly. Predictive algorithms provide forward-looking feedback to anticipate power needs before critical situations arise, enabling proactive rather than reactive power management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12311083B2Systems and methods for managing and predicting power usage for ultraviolet lamps within an environment

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A power management system and method for a vehicle includes a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light sub-systems within an internal cabin of the vehicle. A power management control unit is in communication with the plurality of UV light sub-systems. The power management control unit is configured to adaptively control power supplied to the plurality of UV light sub-systems based on power usage data. The power supplied to the plurality of UV light sub-systems changes. The power usage data includes information regarding adaptable power requirements for the plurality of UV light sub-systems.