UV LED Sterilizing Insert for HVAC Ducts to Reduce Airborne Pathogens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current indoor air treatment systems for reducing airborne pathogens are often large, difficult to install, and require frequent maintenance, with existing compact systems failing to provide adequate airflow and pathogen kill rates, and conventional UV-based systems using fluorescent tubes that are laborious to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A modular sterilizing unit for HVAC systems that incorporates UV light emitting diodes (LEDs) within ducts lined with reflective material, allowing for easy integration into existing systems, silent operation, and minimal maintenance, while emitting UV radiation to reduce pathogens without degrading performance over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional airflow treatment devices are used, then pathogen reduction capability is improved, but device size becomes large and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical airflow treatment devices with UV-C LED radiation sources that emit ultraviolet light to sterilize air. This substitution eliminates the need for large mechanical components while maintaining pathogen reduction capability, as the UV-C LEDs can be integrated into existing HVAC ductwork without requiring additional space or complex installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using UV-C wavelength radiation (200-280nm) specifically targeted at pathogen destruction. This parameter change allows for effective air sterilization using a compact radiation-based system rather than mechanical filtration, resolving the contradiction between pathogen reduction effectiveness and device size
2Device complexity
If compact air purification systems are used, then device size is reduced, but airflow capability and pathogen kill rate become inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the UV-C LED sterilizing unit multi-functional by integrating it into the existing HVAC system infrastructure. The unit simultaneously handles air sterilization and can be positioned to serve multiple airflow paths, thereby achieving adequate pathogen kill rate and airflow capability in a compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional mechanical filtration to two-dimensional surface-mounted UV-C LED arrays on duct interiors. This dimensional change allows the compact unit to treat airflow effectively by irradiating pathogens across a surface area rather than requiring volumetric mechanical components
3Reliability
If conventional UV-based systems with fluorescent tubes are used, then pathogen sterilization is achieved, but maintenance and replacement become laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs UV-C LED modules with extended lifespans (25,000-50,000 hours) compared to traditional fluorescent tubes. These LED modules are designed as replaceable units that can be easily swapped without requiring complex electrical work, significantly reducing maintenance difficulty while maintaining sterilization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the UV-C LED sterilizing unit with features that enable easy maintenance, such as modular construction that allows the LEDs to be replaced without disassembling the entire unit or requiring specialized tools. The system maintains automated operation with minimal human intervention needed for routine maintenance
4Reliability
If UV lights are installed inside ventilation ducting, then air sterilization is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the UV-C LED sterilizing function into modular units that can be installed at specific locations within the HVAC ductwork. Each module is a self-contained unit that can be independently installed and maintained, reducing overall installation complexity and cost compared to a centralized system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the UV-C LED sterilizing unit within the existing HVAC duct structure. The compact module fits inside the duct without requiring external mounting or duct modification, thereby achieving air sterilization while minimizing installation complexity and cost
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 effectively reduces airborne pathogens in HVAC systems with minimal installation effort and maintenance, providing a quiet, unobtrusive, and highly effective air sterilization system that maintains performance without significant degradation.
Implementation Method 1
irradiate the flowing air with UV light to irradiate potential pathogens, virus, and bacteria
Implementation Method 2
UV radiation dosage sufficient to reduce airborne pathogens
Implementation Method 3
a portion of a duct at least partially lined with an ultraviolet (UV) reflective material
Data Source
AI summary
An airflow sterilizing unit configured to airflow in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is disclosed. The airflow sterilizing unit includes a portion of a duct at least partially lined with an ultraviolet (UV) reflective material, a plurality of hollow structures positioned within the portion of the duct, each comprising an external UV reflective surface, and at least one array of UV light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on a surface of at least one of the plurality of hollow structures. The sterilizing unit is configured to replace a section of an existing duct in the HVAC system such that air within the HVAC system passes through the sterilizing unit before exiting from one or more vent.