UV Light Module Venting and Isolation for Higher Irradiation
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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 suboptimal UV irradiation and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting module with an aluminum enclosure featuring ventilation openings, a thermally conductive and electrically insulating separator, and a cooling fan, which enables higher power operation and increased UV irradiation by enhancing heat transfer and airflow, allowing for more efficient disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If UV emitters are operated at higher power to increase UV irradiation, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but heat generation increases leading to overheating and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by UV emitters into a beneficial cooling mechanism by using heat-sinking aluminum sidewalls that conduct heat away from the UV emitters and dissipate it through ventilation openings, allowing higher power operation without overheating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces aluminum sidewalls as intermediary heat transfer components between the UV emitters and the external environment, facilitating efficient heat conduction and dissipation while electrically insulating the UV emitters from the conductive aluminum structure
2Temperature
If aluminum enclosure is used for its thermal conductivity, then heat dissipation is improved, but electrical conductivity causes safety hazards for UV emitters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the enclosure: aluminum sidewalls provide thermal conductivity for heat dissipation, while plastic end caps and electrical insulators provide electrical insulation at critical locations where UV emitters are mounted and wired
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining aluminum (for heat dissipation) with plastic components (for electrical insulation), creating a multi-material enclosure that simultaneously achieves both thermal management and electrical safety
3Temperature
If ventilation openings are added to aluminum sidewalls, then heat dissipation is improved, but structural integrity and electrical insulation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides ventilation openings in the aluminum sidewalls for heat dissipation while maintaining structural integrity through the overall enclosure design, and ensures electrical insulation by positioning openings away from UV emitter mounting areas and using plastic end caps at terminal locations
4Power
If multiple UV emitters are installed in an enclosure, then UV irradiation coverage is improved, but heat generation and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple UV emitters into a single integrated aluminum enclosure with unified heat dissipation pathways, where all emitters benefit from the same thermally conductive aluminum sidewalls and ventilation system, simplifying heat management compared to separate units
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 higher UV irradiation and improved energy efficiency, allowing for effective disinfection of surfaces with reduced energy consumption and faster treatment times compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
A thermally conductive and electrically insulating separator is located between the support and the rear wall
Implementation Method 2
The housing comprises at least one cooling fan that directs air into the housing, and at least one housing ventilation exit opening through which the air escapes
Implementation Method 3
At least one aluminum UV light emitter support within the enclosure is electrically coupled to plurality of UV light emitters
Data Source
AI summary
Modules, systems and methods that disinfect surfaces using ultraviolet (UV) light are disclosed. In one aspect, a UV light-emitting module comprises an enclosure including an aluminum rear wall comprising a ventilation opening and a face plate spaced from the rear wall and comprising a light-transmitting aperture. Four aluminum sidewalls extend between the rear wall and the face plate, with at least one sidewall comprising a ventilation opening. At least one aluminum UV light emitter support within the enclosure is electrically coupled to plurality of UV light emitters. A thermally conductive and electrically insulating separator is located between the support and the rear wall. At least one electrical conductor extends through the rear wall and the separator into the support, and an electrically insulating bushing extends between the conductor and surfaces of the rear wall.