UV LED Germicidal Apparatus with Forced Air Convection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UV tube lamps for disinfection are heavy, inefficient, have short service life, contain toxic mercury, require frequent maintenance, and suffer from energy attenuation following the inverse-square-law, necessitating multiple installations and providing incomplete coverage due to low air convection rates.
Innovation Solution
A portable, high-velocity, high-volume air blasting cannon and a mobile floor-station equipped with solid-state semiconductor UV projectors, ozone generators, multi-wavelength UV LEDs, and parametric ultrasound speakers, which use focused UV beams and high-velocity air to disinfect large areas effectively, overcoming energy attenuation and convection limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional UV tube lamps are used for disinfection, then germicidal function is achieved, but energy attenuation follows inverse-square-law limiting effective range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional UV tube lamps with UV LED arrays that convert electrical energy directly to ultraviolet light through electroluminescence, eliminating the need for mercury arc discharge and improving energy conversion efficiency while maintaining germicidal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the wavelength parameters by using multiple UV LED chips with different peak wavelengths (254nm, 265nm, 275nm, 285nm, 300nm) to optimize germicidal effect and overcome the inverse-square-law attenuation by selecting wavelengths with better air transmission properties
2Use of energy by stationary object
If natural air convection is relied upon for pathogen circulation, then no additional energy is required, but disinfection coverage is incomplete and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a high-speed fan to generate forced air convection, creating a circulation system that actively moves air and pathogens through the UV irradiation zone, dramatically improving disinfection speed and coverage compared to natural convection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention designs a continuous circulation system where the fan continuously draws air in, the UV LEDs continuously irradiate pathogens, and the processed air is discharged back, creating an uninterrupted disinfection cycle that maintains constant pathogen elimination
3Area of stationary object
If UV tube lamps are installed on walls or ceilings, then germicidal coverage is maximized, but installation and maintenance require trained trades staff and are costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the disinfection system into modular components: UV LED arrays, fan assembly, control circuitry, and housing, allowing the device to be manufactured, tested, and deployed as a complete unit that can be easily replaced or maintained without requiring specialized installation of fixed lighting systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the fixed electrical lighting infrastructure with a portable electrical appliance that plugs into standard outlets, eliminating the need for electrical wiring modifications and specialized installation while achieving comparable disinfection coverage through strategic placement and air circulation
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 solution provides comprehensive disinfection of both airborne and surface pathogens over long ranges without the limitations of inverse-square-law energy attenuation and natural convection, ensuring safe and effective disinfection of large areas with reduced maintenance and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The UV light is configured to produce hydroxyl radicals with passing water molecules from ambient air
Implementation Method 2
irradiating the TIO2 semiconductor coating to generate a photocatalysis process
Implementation Method 3
The high momentum air is capable of dislodging dust, pollen, bacteria, and viruses that have clung on a person's skin and clothing
Implementation Method 4
The air blasting station further uses parametric ultrasound speaker arrays to destroy pathogens in wide areas
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed Multi-function Germicidal Apparatus and Method, is an elevation actuator equipped mobile floor-standing air convection system including an electromagnetic radiation oscillating head mounted dish with zoom and focusable UV beam projectors which sweep across a horizontal plane to inactivate airborne pathogens. An open end germicidal chamber behind an open center nozzle is equipped with multi-wavelength UV lights to inactivate passing pathogens and irradiate TIO2 coated charge plates to generate hydroxyl radicals. A fan pushes contaminated air through a chamber discharging remnant pathogens and air mixed through a nozzle to create a high velocity air mixture farther away from the opening. An oscillating and focused UV beam forms a tubular shaped virtual cage encircling exiting pathogens for continuous inactivation. Convection forced pathogens disperse to the floor are picked up by a floor fan and sent back to a chamber and UV beams for repeating inactivation.