UV Light Bar with Slant Angle Controller for Pathogen Deactivation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for reducing pathogen spread in indoor spaces are inadequate, as pathogens can still spread due to non-compliance with face masks and disinfecting agents, and aerosol or ballistic particles may reach individuals before being treated by upper air or HVAC disinfection systems.

Innovation Solution

A disinfecting device with an elongated light bar that emits UV, IR, or visible light, featuring a slant angle controller to project a disinfecting light curtain, which can be adjusted to maximize pathogen deactivation without relying on air circulation, ensuring effective disinfection while maintaining audibility and visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If upper air or HVAC disinfection systems are used, then pathogen spread is reduced, but pathogens can reach individuals before being treated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepathogen spread reductionVSAvoidtime for pathogen treatment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by positioning UV light sources strategically to disinfect air in the breathing zone before pathogens can be inhaled or contact individuals. The system proactively treats aerosol particles in the immediate vicinity of occupants rather than relying on passive upper air or HVAC treatment that occurs after pathogens have already dispersed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If face covering masks and disinfecting agents are used, then pathogen spread is mitigated, but compliance is not guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepathogen spread mitigationVSAvoidcompliance requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by creating an automated environmental disinfection system that continuously treats air without requiring active participation or compliance from occupants. The UV disinfection system operates autonomously to neutralize pathogens in the air, eliminating the need for individuals to consistently wear masks or apply disinfecting agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If disinfecting light is projected in a controlled optical plane, then pathogen deactivation probability increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepathogen deactivation probabilityVSAvoidoptical plane control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating disinfection effort in specific optical planes where aerosol particles are most likely to be inhaled or contact occupants. Rather than uniformly distributing light in all directions, the system directs intense UV radiation along defined optical paths through the breathing zone, maximizing pathogen deactivation probability in critical areas while maintaining manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 reduces pathogen spread by projecting disinfecting light in a controlled optical plane, increasing the probability of pathogen deactivation and reducing the risk of infection, while minimizing exposure to occupants and optimizing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating the upper air of the indoor space or the air circulating in the HVAC system with hazardous germicidal UV radiation which disinfects the aerosols

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV irradiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

at least one light source (such as a UV, IR or 405 nm light source) configured to output a disinfecting light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP4301421B1Dynamic disinfecting virtual room dividers by UV light
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP4301421B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4301421B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4301421B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a disinfecting device, a disinfecting system and a method for control the disinfecting device. The disinfecting device (1) comprising a light bar (10) configured to be mounted to a surface (2) of an indoor space (4), said light bar (10) including at least one light source (100), and at least one optical element (102), configured to shape disinfecting light emitted by the light source(s) (100), such that the light bar (10) is configured to emit disinfecting light in an optical plane (140) extending from a longitudinal axis of the light bar (10); and a slant angle controller (120), configured to, when the light bar (10) is mounted to a surface (2), control a slant angle (S, S2) between the optical plane (140) and the surface (4).