UV-LED Filter Assembly for Legionella Inactivation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current point-of-use (POU) water filtration systems are unable to inactivate opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs) such as Legionella, which can multiply in water systems and cause diseases, and existing filters either have short lifespans or fail to remove chlorine and oxidizing agents, making them ineffective against bacterial contamination.
Innovation Solution
A POU filtration device with a hollow conduit containing UV-LED modules that emit UV light in multiple wavelengths, reflecting off UV-reflective materials and penetrating through UV-penetrable materials to disinfect water flowing through a multi-channel structure, using low power consumption and photocatalyst reactions to inactivate pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV-LED modules with multiple wavelengths are used, then pathogen inactivation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple UV-LED modules with different wavelengths (254nm, 365nm, 395nm) into a single integrated filtration device. This merging approach allows the system to achieve enhanced pathogen inactivation effectiveness by utilizing the complementary effects of different UV wavelengths while maintaining a unified device structure, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it filters particulates, removes chlorine and oxidizing agents, and inactivates various types of pathogens including OPPPs like Legionella. The multi-wavelength UV-LED system provides universal pathogen coverage against bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, making the device highly effective across diverse contamination scenarios while consolidating multiple functions into one unit.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If carbon filters are used to remove chlorine, then water taste and odor are improved, but bacterial contamination susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by removing chlorine and oxidizing agents through carbon filtration first, then immediately following up with UV-LED irradiation to inactivate bacteria and pathogens. This preemptive approach prevents bacterial contamination that would otherwise occur when chlorine is removed, thereby improving water taste and odor without compromising safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV-LED modules serve as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap created by carbon filter operation. When carbon filters remove chlorine protective agents, the UV-LED system acts as a mediator to provide alternative protection by inactivating microorganisms, thus maintaining water safety while allowing the carbon filter to perform its taste and odor improvement function.
3Reliability
If conventional UV lamps are used, then pathogen inactivation is achieved, but energy consumption and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical UV lamp systems with solid-state UV-LED modules. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical components such as ballasts, starters, and glass envelopes associated with traditional UV lamps. The UV-LEDs consume significantly less energy, generate less heat, and have longer operational lifetimes, thereby achieving pathogen inactivation with reduced energy consumption and lower maintenance requirements.
4Device complexity
If single-wavelength UV LEDs are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but pathogen inactivation effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes parameter changes by incorporating UV-LED modules that operate at different wavelengths (254nm, 365nm, 395nm). Each wavelength targets different types of pathogens and penetration depths, creating a multi-parameter approach to disinfection. This allows the device to maintain relative simplicity while achieving superior pathogen inactivation effectiveness through the coordinated action of multiple wavelength parameters.
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 device effectively inactivates OPPPs like Legionella by delivering a sufficient UV dose, enhancing water disinfection and reducing bacterial contamination risks, with the potential for longer filter life and improved water quality.
Implementation Method 1
An Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diode (UV-LED) module coupled to the hollow container. The UV-LED module illuminates UV light into an interior of the hollow conduit
Implementation Method 2
the UV light reflecting down the interior of the hollow conduit
Implementation Method 3
The UV reflective material allows the UV light to reflect down an entire length of the outer tube and penetrates the interior of the inner tube formed of UV penetrable material
Implementation Method 4
using low power consumption and photocatalyst reactions to inactivate pathogens
Data Source
AI summary
A Point of Use (POU) filtration device has a hollow conduit having open ends. An Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diode (UV-LED) module is coupled to the hollow container. The UV-LED module illuminating UV light into an interior of the hollow conduit, the UV light reflecting down the interior of the hollow conduit