UV LED Faucet Flow Cell Angled Radial Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Faucet flow cells face challenges in effectively disinfecting water post-reverse osmosis treatment due to microbiological secondary contamination, as UV-LEDs provide inadequate UV dosage along the reactor length, and oversized reactors can decrease minimum dosage, risking reduced microorganism reduction rates.
Innovation Solution
A water dispensing unit with a cylindrical design featuring reflective materials on the sidewall and end walls, including a UV light emitting diode positioned within the unit, where the inlet and outlet axes are angled to direct water towards the UV LED, enhancing UV intensity and dosage distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the length of the reactor is extended to increase mean UV dosage, then microorganism reduction rate improves, but UV intensity drops significantly along the longitudinal axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a longitudinal UV delivery approach to a radial approach by positioning the UV-LED at the center of a cylindrical reactor. This dimensional change allows UV radiation to propagate perpendicular to the flow direction, maintaining consistent intensity across the water stream regardless of reactor length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective liner as an intermediary element that redirects UV radiation onto the water stream. This mediator enhances UV dosage by reflecting light that would otherwise be lost, ensuring consistent disinfection without requiring reactor extension.
2Illumination intensity
If reflective materials are used to increase UV flux intensity, then disinfection effectiveness improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the reactor, specifically using a cylindrical configuration with the UV-LED positioned at the center. This geometric parameter change naturally optimizes UV distribution and reduces the need for complex reflective surface configurations, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining effectiveness.
3Reliability
If oversized reactors are used to increase mean UV dosage, then microorganism reduction improves, but minimum dosage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from longitudinal to radial UV delivery, the patent ensures that all water in the stream receives consistent UV exposure regardless of reactor size. The radial geometry maintains uniform intensity across the cross-section, preventing the minimum dosage from decreasing even as the reactor accommodates larger flow volumes.
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 angled design increases UV intensity and dosage distribution, effectively disinfecting water by ensuring consistent exposure to UV radiation, thereby improving microorganism reduction rates and maintaining efficient water disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
a liner positioned along an inner surface of the main body, wherein the liner includes a first reflectivity value
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting diode positioned within the main body
Data Source
AI summary
A water dispensing unit adapted for communication with a water supply includes a main body including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first axis extending through the first and second ends, and a second axis extending perpendicular to the first axis. The water dispensing unit additionally includes an inlet configured to receive water from the water supply, an outlet configured to dispense water, wherein the outlet extends along an outlet axis, an inner wall including a reflective liner, and a light emitting diode positioned within the main body. The outlet axis is oriented at an angle relative to the second axis to direct water from the water supply toward the light emitting diode before exiting through the outlet.