UV Light-Emitting Module with Integrated Cooling for Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV disinfection systems face challenges in delivering effective UV radiation for surface disinfection due to limitations in power supply and heat management, leading to inefficiencies in UV irradiation and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
The development of UV light-emitting modules with integrated cooling features, such as ventilation openings and heat sink structures, allows for higher power operation and increased UV irradiation, while a compact design enables closer placement to surfaces for enhanced disinfection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If UV emitters are powered by a low power supply (e.g., 12 watts), then energy consumption is reduced, but UV irradiation effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The UV emitter is divided into multiple individual UV LEDs arranged in an array, allowing the system to achieve effective disinfection through cumulative output of multiple lower-power emitters rather than relying on a single high-power source, thus maintaining lower overall energy consumption while improving UV irradiation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The UV LEDs are mounted on a circuit board that is integrated into the enclosure structure, with the circuit board nested within the housing and the UV LEDs nested on the circuit board surface, creating a compact configuration that maximizes UV output within a small power envelope
2Power
If multiple UV emitters are provided in an enclosure, then UV irradiation effectiveness is improved, but heat management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heat management function is extracted from the UV emitter assembly by providing a separate dedicated cooling system with air inlets, outlets, and fans positioned around the enclosure, allowing the UV LEDs to operate at higher power levels without thermal interference affecting their performance or longevity
Solution Approach 2:
Air is introduced as an intermediary cooling medium that flows through designated pathways around the UV emitter enclosure, absorbing heat from multiple UV LEDs and transporting it away from the device, thereby enabling sustained high-power operation without compromising the UV irradiation effectiveness
3Reliability
If UV devices are designed for effective UV delivery, then disinfection efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV emitter enclosure is merged with the housing structure, with the circuit board integrated into the enclosure and the UV LEDs mounted directly on the circuit board within the same housing, creating a unified compact device that achieves effective disinfection without requiring separate complex subsystems for mounting and support
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 enables more effective disinfection by providing higher UV irradiance with reduced energy consumption and shorter treatment times, improving surface disinfection efficacy in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a UV light emitter comprising a plurality of UV LEDs arranged in a UV emitter array
Implementation Method 2
The cooling system includes a cooling fan, air inlets, and air outlets
Implementation Method 3
cooling air is blown passing in the vicinity of the both ends of the sterilizing light source
Data Source
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AI summary
Modules (300), systems (100) and methods (1300, 1400, 1500) that disinfect surfaces using ultraviolet (UV) light are disclosed. In one aspect, a UV light-emitting module (300) comprises an enclosure (304) including an aluminum rear wall (308) comprising a ventilation opening (352, 353) and a face plate (312) spaced from the rear wall and comprising a light-transmitting aperture (316). Four aluminum sidewalls (330, 334, 338, 342) extend between the rear wall and the face plate, with at least one sidewall comprising a ventilation opening (348, 349). At least one aluminum UV light emitter support (322, 323, 450) within the enclosure is electrically coupled to plurality of UV light emitters (320). A thermally conductive and electrically insulating separator (350) is located between the support and the rear wall. At least one electrical conductor (354, 356) extends through the rear wall and the separator into the support, and an electrically insulating bushing (361, 363) extends between the conductor and surfaces of the rear wall.