UV Lamp Power Controller for Portable Sanitization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sanitizing systems using ultraviolet (UV) light face challenges such as long sanitization times, microbial resistance, human safety risks due to direct UV exposure, and the need for large, bulky infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

A portable sanitizing system equipped with a powering device that includes a power controller with potentiometers to adjust frequency, pulse width modulation, and current, along with a transformer and a power boost switch, to efficiently power UV lamps emitting safe and effective far UV light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional UVC light is used for sanitization, then sanitization capability is achieved, but sanitization time is excessively long (three minutes)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization speedVSAvoidsanitization time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the wavelength parameter of UV light from traditional 254nm UVC to 222nm far-UVC, which fundamentally alters the interaction with microorganisms and human tissue, enabling faster sanitization while improving safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses pulsed operation mode where the UV lamp operates in periodic cycles with controlled duty cycles, optimizing the balance between sanitization effectiveness and energy consumption while reducing total exposure time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If traditional UVC light is used for sanitization, then microbial killing is achieved, but microbial resistance develops over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoidmicrobial susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the wavelength parameter to 222nm far-UVC, the mechanism of microbial inactivation is altered from DNA damage (which can lead to resistance) to direct protein and enzyme damage, preventing the development of resistance while maintaining sanitization effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If traditional UVC light (254nm) is used, then sanitization is achieved, but human safety is compromised due to direct exposure risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization capabilityVSAvoidhuman exposure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the wavelength from 254nm UVC to 222nm far-UVC, which has different penetration characteristics - it is strongly absorbed by the outer layer of human skin and does not penetrate to living cells, thereby eliminating human exposure risks while maintaining sanitization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The 222nm wavelength acts as an intermediary that provides the desired sanitization effect on microorganisms while being naturally blocked by the dead outer layer of human skin, serving as a protective barrier that allows safe operation in occupied spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If portable sanitizing system is implemented, then mobility and compactness are achieved, but power delivery requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidpower delivery requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses pulsed operation with controlled duty cycles, delivering high power in periodic bursts rather than continuous operation, which reduces average power consumption and enables portable battery-powered operation while maintaining sanitization effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pulse width modulation and frequency control to optimize the power delivery parameters, allowing the UV lamp to operate efficiently at reduced average power levels while maintaining peak performance during active sanitization cycles

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 system provides efficient and safe sanitization by reducing sanitization time, preventing microbial resistance, ensuring human safety, and enabling compact, portable operation.

Implementation Method 1

A portable sanitizing system equipped with a powering device that includes a power controller with potentiometers to adjust frequency, pulse width modulation, and current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse width modulation:

Implementation Method 2

power controller with potentiometers to adjust frequency, pulse width modulation, and current, along with a transformer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy conversion:

Implementation Method 3

UV lamps emitting safe and effective far UV light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet light emission:

Implementation Method 4

emit safe and effective far UV light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGermicidal radiation:

Implementation Method 5

along with a transformer and a power boost switch, to efficiently power UV lamps

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3923681B1Systems and methods for providing power to ultraviolet lamps of sanitizing systems

Publication Date: 2025.02.12 THE BOEING CO

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AI summary

A powering device is configured to provide power to an ultraviolet (UV) lamp of a sanitizing system. The powering device includes a power delivery assembly configured to provide power to the UV lamp, and a power controller coupled to the power delivery assembly. The power controller is configured to control one or more aspects of the power provided from the power delivery assembly to the UV lamp.