Setting a state of UV radiation sources in dependence on input from a detector arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV radiation systems for surface disinfection require continuous power supply and are not suitable for environments with limited power availability, as they maintain a constant UV radiation intensity, which can be inefficient and potentially harmful to humans.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a radiation body with a UV radiation source, detector, and controller that adjusts UV intensity based on detected radiation changes, temporarily increasing intensity upon contact and returning to a maintenance level to conserve energy and ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous UV radiation is maintained for disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases and safety risks to humans increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UV radiation source operates in periodic cycles, switching between active disinfection mode and standby mode. The controller activates UV radiation only when contamination is detected by the sensor, and keeps it inactive during clean periods, thereby achieving effective disinfection while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a sensor that continuously monitors the radiation exit window for contamination. When contamination is detected, the sensor sends a signal to the controller, which then activates the UV radiation source. After disinfection, the sensor confirms cleanliness and signals the controller to deactivate the UV source, creating a closed-loop feedback system that optimizes energy usage.
2Reliability
If continuous UV radiation is maintained for disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but safety risks to humans increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UV radiation source operates in periodic cycles, switching between active disinfection mode and standby mode. The controller activates UV radiation only when contamination is detected by the sensor, and keeps it inactive during clean periods, thereby achieving effective disinfection while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a sensor that continuously monitors the radiation exit window for contamination. When contamination is detected, the sensor sends a signal to the controller, which then activates the UV radiation source. After disinfection, the sensor confirms cleanliness and signals the controller to deactivate the UV source, creating a closed-loop feedback system that optimizes energy usage.
3Productivity
If UV radiation intensity is increased for faster disinfection, then disinfection speed is improved, but energy consumption and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies UV radiation at high intensity only for the minimum necessary duration required to achieve disinfection, rather than maintaining continuous high-intensity radiation. The controller activates the UV source at full power when contamination is detected, disinfects rapidly, then immediately deactivates it once the disinfection cycle is complete, thereby achieving fast disinfection while minimizing total energy consumption.
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 system effectively disinfects surfaces while minimizing energy consumption and preventing harmful exposure to UV radiation, suitable for use in environments with limited power, such as those powered by batteries or solar cells.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation arrangement configured to provide the radiation, comprising at least one UV radiation source configured to emit UV radiation
Implementation Method 2
a detector arrangement configured to detect an internal radiation intensity of radiation in the radiation body at at least one detector position
Implementation Method 3
configured to internally reflect part of the radiation at the radiation exit window
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
:A system (1) comprises a radiation body (10), a radiation arrangement (20) configured to provide radiation at least comprising UV radiation (23) to the radiation body (10), a detector arrangement (30) configured to detect an internal radiation intensity of radiation (25) in the radiation body (10) at at least one detector position, and a controller arrangement (40) configured to control the radiation arrangement (20) in dependence on input from the detector arrangement (30). When the input from the detector arrangement (30) indicates a change of the internal radiation intensity that can be assumed to follow from an event of touch on a radiation exit window (11) of the radiation body (10), an action of temporarily changing a state of at least one UV radiation source (21) of the radiation arrangement (20) from a maintenance state to a disinfecting state of increased intensity of the UV radiation (23) is performed.