UV LED Illumination Unit for Low-Loss Vehicle Air Duct Sterilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of a fluorescent tube as a sterilizing lamp inside a vehicle air-conditioning device's duct increases pressure loss and can affect the stable operation of other devices due to heat generation, necessitating a space-saving and low-power consumption solution for sterilization.

Innovation Solution

A light irradiation unit is designed with a heat sink having a plate-shaped body and fins, an electronic substrate, and ultraviolet LED elements mounted on the substrate, which are integrated to minimize space and power usage while providing effective sterilization within the duct.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fluorescent tube is provided inside the duct as a sterilizing lamp, then sterilization function is achieved, but installation space is enlarged and pressure loss inside the duct increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization functionVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the fluorescent tube sterilization system with an ultraviolet LED light irradiation unit. This substitution eliminates the need for a large installation space and complex ballast circuitry, achieving sterilization with a compact design that fits within the existing duct structure without increasing pressure loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using ultraviolet LED technology instead of fluorescent tubes. The LED operates at lower voltage and generates less heat, allowing for a compact design with reduced installation space requirements while maintaining effective sterilization functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a fluorescent tube is provided inside the duct as a sterilizing lamp, then sterilization function is achieved, but heat generated affects stable operation of other devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization functionVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes fluorescent tube technology with ultraviolet LED technology, which generates significantly less heat during operation. This substitution maintains the sterilization function while eliminating the heat generation problem that was affecting the stable operation of other devices in the air conditioning system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of heat generation into a benefit by using LED technology that produces minimal heat. The small amount of heat generated by the ultraviolet LED is easily managed and does not interfere with other components, effectively turning a potential problem into a solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If a fluorescent tube is provided inside the duct as a sterilizing lamp, then sterilization function is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization functionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the high-power fluorescent tube system with a low-power ultraviolet LED system. The LED requires minimal electrical power to operate while delivering effective sterilization, thereby reducing the overall power consumption of the air conditioning system's sterilization function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This configuration allows for efficient heat dissipation, reduced device size, and stable operation by using the air flow to cool the LEDs, while ensuring effective sterilization of air and components within the duct with minimal power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a heat sink having a plate-shaped heat sink body and a fin protruding from a first main surface of the heat sink body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Convection

Implementation Method 2

an electronic substrate laminated on a second main surface on a side opposite to the first main surface in the heat sink body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a light irradiation element mounted on a first surface of the electronic substrate, which is a surface on a side where the heat sink is provided

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20240066957A1Light illumination unit and vehicle air-conditioning device

Publication Date: 2024.02.29 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND THERMAL SYST

AI summary

This light illumination unit comprises: a heat sink that has a plate-shaped heat sink body and fins protruding from a first main surface of the heat sink body; an electronic substrate that is laminated on a second main surface of the heat sink body on the reverse side thereof from the first main surface; and a light illumination element that is mounted on a first surface of the electronic substrate on the side thereof where the heat sink is provided. As a result of said configuration, it is possible to save space as well as power.