UV Lamp Socket Locking Mechanism for Pressurized Fluid Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultraviolet water disinfection systems face issues such as forced ejection of quartz sleeves and lamps due to water pressure, potential electrical shock from water ingress, and lack of lamp signature recognition, leading to safety hazards and system failures.
Innovation Solution
A fluid treatment system with a locking mechanism that prevents the radiation source assembly from being disconnected while the chamber is pressurized, featuring a lamp socket element with a locking dial and retaining ring that ensures secure engagement only when the chamber is de-pressurized, along with integrated power and data connectors and a remote power connection to prevent short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lamp and quartz sleeve are secured with mechanical fasteners in a pressurized chamber, then the radiation source remains in position during operation, but the components can be forcibly ejected due to water pressure creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a locking mechanism that prevents disengagement of the radiation source assembly before water pressure can cause ejection. The interlocked retaining ring and tab structure creates a mechanical lock that counteracts the water pressure forces, preventing the harmful ejection effect from occurring.
2Reliability
If the ballast is mounted away from the chamber with a power cord running to the lamp, then electrical components are separated from the fluid treatment zone, but water ingress can cause electrical shock hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ballast with the chamber assembly by mounting it directly to the chamber housing, eliminating the need for external power cords running through the fluid treatment zone. This integration removes the vulnerability point where water could ingress into electrical connections, while the sealed chamber design maintains electrical isolation.
3Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical fastening systems are used to secure the lamp, then installation and maintenance can be performed, but lamp signature recognition is not possible leading to system failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating both mechanical retention and electrical identification functions into the lamp socket assembly. The electrical connector not only provides power but also enables lamp signature recognition through integrated circuitry, while the mechanical tab and retaining ring structure provides secure physical attachment. This allows the same component interface to handle both mechanical and electrical functions simultaneously.
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
Enhances user safety by preventing accidental disconnection of the radiation source during maintenance and reduces the risk of electrical shocks and system failures by ensuring secure and sealed connections.
Implementation Method 1
irradiation of a fluid, such as water, with ultraviolet light will disinfect the water through inactivation of microorganisms therein
Data Source
AI summary
There is described, a fluid treatment system comprising: a fluid treatment chamber comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a fluid treatment zone; an elongate radiation source assembly comprising an elongate radiation source configured to be disposed in the fluid treatment zone; and a lamp socket element secured to a proximal portion of the fluid treatment chamber, the lamp socket element configured to be disengaged from the elongate radiation source assembly only when the fluid treatment chamber is fluid non-pressurized.