UV LED Array Sterilization with Fluid Straightener
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultraviolet light sterilization devices for fluids require a large number of light emitting devices to achieve a suitable sterilization effect, which increases costs without proportionally enhancing the sterilization capability.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization device design where a fluid is straightened to flow in a single direction and irradiated with ultraviolet light from a smaller number of light emitting devices arranged in an array, using a rod lens to convert light into parallel beams and a fluororesin surface for reflection, extending exposure time and increasing cumulative irradiation levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of light emitting devices are arranged along the flow path to irradiate fluid, then the sterilization effect is enhanced, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from arranging light emitting devices along the flow path (one-dimensional arrangement) to arranging them on a plane facing the flow direction (two-dimensional array arrangement). This dimensional change allows the light to irradiate the fluid from the front direction, extending the exposure time and cumulative irradiation level without increasing the number of devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the duration of ultraviolet light exposure to the fluid by arranging light emitting devices on a plane facing the flow direction. The fluid passes through the processing chamber and is continuously irradiated from the front, maintaining continuous useful action over an extended period, thereby improving sterilization effect without increasing device quantity
2Duration of action of moving object
If light emitting devices are arranged along the flow path, then the fluid is irradiated with ultraviolet light, but the exposure time is limited and sterilization capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the arrangement from linear (along flow path) to planar (facing flow direction), the patent extends the path length and time duration of ultraviolet light exposure to the fluid, directly addressing the limited exposure time issue while improving sterilization capability
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 sterilization capability by increasing the cumulative irradiation level of ultraviolet light, improving efficiency while reducing the number of light emitting devices needed, thus lowering costs and maintaining effective sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element that converts the ultraviolet light emitted by the plurality of light emitting devices into a parallel light that travels in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
An inner surface of the processing chamber may be made of a fluororesin material that reflects the ultraviolet light emitted by the plurality of light emitting devices
Implementation Method 3
a cooling path provided opposite to the processing chamber, sandwiching the plurality of light emitting devices, so as to cool the plurality of light emitting devices
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization device includes: a processing chamber in which a fluid passing through a straightener flows in a first direction, the straightener being provided at an inlet of the processing chamber; a plurality of light emitting devices arranged in an array on a plane facing the straightener in the first direction, sandwiching the processing chamber, and irradiating the fluid in the processing chamber with ultraviolet light; a light source chamber that houses the plurality of light emitting devices inside; and a discharge path provided to the side of the light source chamber and allowing the fluid passing through the processing chamber to flow in the first direction.