Multi-Wavelength UV-LED Water Filter for Pathogen Inactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current point-of-use water filtration systems are unable to inactivate opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs) such as Legionella, which can multiply in water systems and cause diseases like Legionnaires' disease, and existing filters either have short lifespans or fail to remove chlorine and oxidizing agents, making them ineffective against bacterial contamination.
Innovation Solution
A point-of-use water filtration device with a multi-channel structure equipped with low-power ultraviolet (UV) Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that emit UV light in different frequencies (UVA, UVB, and UVC ranges) to disinfect water, combined with photo reactant and UV reflective materials to enhance UV irradiance exposure and inactivate pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple wavelength UV-LEDs are used to inactivate OPPPs, then pathogen inactivation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the UV irradiation function into multiple wavelength channels (254nm, 365nm, 395nm LEDs) that operate independently but collectively address different pathogen types. Each wavelength targets specific pathogen vulnerabilities, with 254nm for general disinfection, 365nm for enhanced bacterial inactivation, and 395nm for complementary coverage, thereby improving overall pathogen inactivation effectiveness while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly integrates multiple UV-LED wavelengths within a single device housing, creating a multi-functional system that can inactivate various types of pathogens (Legionella, E. coli, Pseudomonas) simultaneously. The device also combines UV irradiation with mechanical filtration capabilities, allowing one device to perform both physical filtration and biological disinfection functions, thereby improving reliability without requiring separate devices for each function
2Reliability
If UV-LEDs are integrated into the filter assembly, then pathogen inactivation is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates UV-LEDs and photo reactant materials into the filter assembly during the manufacturing process rather than requiring post-assembly integration. The filter housing is pre-configured with LED mounting positions, electrical connections, and photo reactant coating areas, allowing UV irradiation functionality to be built-in during standard manufacturing operations. This preliminary integration reduces assembly steps and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining pathogen inactivation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly uses composite construction combining the filter housing material with integrated UV-LED components and photo reactant coatings. The photo reactant material is applied as a coating layer on internal surfaces, creating a composite structure that combines mechanical filtration media with UV-active surfaces. This composite approach allows manufacturing through conventional coating and assembly processes rather than requiring complex integration of separate components
3Illumination intensity
If photo reactant material is coated on internal surfaces, then UV irradiance exposure is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photo reactant material is selectively coated on specific internal surfaces of the filter assembly where water flow occurs and UV irradiation is needed, such as the inner walls of the filter housing and channels. This localized coating approach enhances UV irradiance exposure in the critical water treatment zones without requiring coating of entire device surfaces. The targeted application maintains device simplicity by limiting material application to functional areas only
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 calculated UV dose, achieving a 99% removal rate, and is designed for use with various plumbing fixtures, including showerheads, providing continuous protection against bacterial contamination.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of Ultraviolet (UV) Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) is provided. Each of the plurality of UV LEDs illuminates UV light down an associated channel of the plurality of channels.
Implementation Method 2
A photo reactant material is coated on at least one of the floor, the top cover and the plurality of separations walls.
Implementation Method 3
dimensions of the plurality of flow channels are based on calculating effective UV irradiance doses to inactivate OPPPs
Implementation Method 4
water entering the container flowing through the plurality of channels
Data Source
AI summary
A point-of-use (POU) water filtration device has a container. A plurality of channels is formed within the container, water entering the container flowing through the plurality of channels. A plurality of Ultraviolet (UV) Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) is provided. Each of the plurality of UV LEDs illuminating UV light down an associated channel of the plurality of channels.