Liquid Purification Apparatus with Closed Loop UV Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional UV liquid purification systems are inefficient due to dead spaces where pathogenic microorganisms can multiply and re-contaminate the liquid, leading to increased energy consumption and cost, as well as safety concerns from UV exposure.
Innovation Solution
A liquid purification apparatus with a closed loop system using a primary irradiation device and directional valve, where the liquid is recirculated through the primary irradiation device, eliminating dead spaces and reducing the need for a full-power irradiation device at the outlet, along with a secondary irradiation device for sterilizing non-circulating parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a second full-power irradiation device is disposed within the outlet spout to prevent re-contamination, then the effectiveness of disinfection is improved, but the cost of the apparatus and energy consumption are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the primary irradiation device and the secondary irradiation device into a single integrated unit. The primary device irradiates liquid in the circulation loop, while the secondary device irradiates liquid at the outlet, but both are controlled as one system with shared power supply and control circuitry, reducing overall system cost and energy consumption compared to two completely separate full-power devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where the pump and irradiation devices operate in coordinated cycles. The system alternates between circulation mode (pump active, irradiation active) and dispensing mode (pump inactive, irradiation active), optimizing energy usage by not continuously operating all components at full power
2Reliability
If a second full-power irradiation device is disposed within the outlet spout to prevent re-contamination, then the effectiveness of disinfection is improved, but the apparatus cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the primary irradiation device and the secondary irradiation device into a single integrated unit. The primary device irradiates liquid in the circulation loop, while the secondary device irradiates liquid at the outlet, but both are controlled as one system with shared power supply and control circuitry, reducing overall system cost and energy consumption compared to two completely separate full-power devices
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed to universally control both the pump and both irradiation devices (primary and secondary) through a single interface. This multi-functional control system reduces the need for separate control circuits for each device, thereby reducing apparatus cost while maintaining the ability to perform multiple disinfection functions
3Reliability
If a second irradiation device is disposed within the spout, then re-contamination is prevented, but user protection from UV exposure requires extra care and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the secondary irradiation function from the outlet spout structure itself and places it within the circulation loop system. The secondary irradiation device is positioned to irradiate liquid before it reaches the outlet, rather than placing it directly in the spout, which simplifies UV protection requirements while maintaining disinfection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary disinfection action by circulating and irradiating the liquid multiple times through the primary irradiation device before dispensing. This preliminary treatment reduces the need for intensive UV protection at the outlet, as the liquid is already disinfected before reaching the user
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
This approach enhances the effectiveness of UV germicidal irradiation, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes re-contamination, while simplifying user protection from UV exposure, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective purification process.
Implementation Method 1
a primary irradiation device, said primary irradiation device being provided with ultraviolet light-emitting means, preferably a plurality of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes
Implementation Method 2
The UV radiation damages the DNA and RNA of the pathogenic microorganisms, destroying their ability to reproduce and effectively neutralizing their ability to cause disease
Implementation Method 3
a pump disposed in fluid communication with said reservoir
Implementation Method 4
a directional valve, said directional valve comprising an input port, a recirculation port, and a sealing means, said directional valve being mobile between a recirculating position wherein said sealing means blocks a discharge port and a discharging position wherein said directional valve permits a flow from said input port through said discharge port
Implementation Method 5
said first circulation tube and second circulation tube comprises a portion transparent to ultraviolet light and disposed within the primary irradiation device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A liquid purification apparatus (100), comprises a reservoir (101) for liquid (102) and a primary irradiation device (106, 301); characterized in that it has a directional valve (107, 500) which is mobile between a recirculating position and a discharging position where the liquid (102) flows through circulation tubes (105, 305, 501; 115, 306, 502) having at least one portion substantially transparent to ultraviolet light disposed within said primary irradiation device (106, 301); wherein when said directional valve (107, 500) is in the recirculating position, said reservoir (101), said circulation tubes (105, 305, 501), said directional valve (107, 500,115, 306, 502) form a closed loop. This invention eliminates any dead-space or dead- corners from the apparatus and also prevents the re-contamination of the whole system. (Figure 1)