UV Sterilizer Light Concentrating Reflector Airflow Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultraviolet (UV) sterilization systems lack dedicated ventilation ducts, light path designs, and cooling systems, leading to reduced air circulation, light energy loss, and inadequate sterilization efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The ultraviolet sterilization device incorporates a chamber with a fan assembly for airflow creation, a light concentrating reflector with a reflective cavity to direct UV light parallel to airflow, and a heat dissipation fin to manage temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If high-pressure mercury lamps are used without dedicated light path designs, then the sterilization system is simpler to manufacture, but light energy is lost to absorption and scattering with over 30% loss
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective cavity is pre-configured with a specific geometric shape and reflective surface orientation before the sterilization process begins. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that light emitted by the lamp is automatically directed along the airflow path without requiring real-time adjustment or complex control systems, thereby reducing light energy loss while maintaining device simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective cavity employs curved or angled reflective surfaces designed to redirect light rays parallel to the airflow direction. This geometric configuration optimizes light propagation by minimizing scattering and absorption, achieving over 30% light energy retention improvement while using standard manufacturing techniques
2Productivity
If high-pressure mercury lamps are used without dedicated ventilation ducts, then the device structure is simpler, but air circulation is reduced and sterilization space is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the airflow path, provides the sterilization space, and integrates the reflective cavity for light direction. This multi-functionality achieves improved air circulation and sterilization efficiency without adding separate complex ventilation duct systems
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber is pre-configured with optimized dimensions and airflow path geometry before operation. This preliminary design ensures that air circulation patterns are established efficiently, maximizing the sterilization space and contact between UV light and air without requiring additional ventilation components
3Reliability
If high-pressure mercury lamps are used without cooling systems, then the device is simpler, but the sterilization effect is significantly weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own operational components to provide cooling functionality. The airflow generated for sterilization purposes simultaneously serves as a cooling medium for the light source, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems while maintaining reliable sterilization effects through proper thermal management
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 configuration enhances air circulation, minimizes light energy loss, and achieves efficient sterilization of air by ensuring sufficient contact between UV light and airflow, while also extending the lifespan of the light emitter.
Implementation Method 1
a fan assembly arranged at the inlet, the fan assembly being configured to operate to form an airflow that flows from the inlet into the chamber and then flows out through the outlet
Implementation Method 2
the light concentrating reflector comprising a groove wall forming a reflective cavity confronting a flow direction of the airflow in the chamber; and a light emitter arranged in the reflective cavity such that at least part of light emitted by the light emitter is reflected by the groove wall to be parallel to the flow direction of the airflow
Implementation Method 3
a heat dissipation fin is provided at a side of the light concentrating reflector that is faced away from the reflective cavity
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to an ultraviolet sterilization device comprising: a chamber; an inlet in fluid communication with one end of the chamber; an outlet in fluid communication with the other end of the chamber; a fan assembly arranged at the inlet and configured to operate to form an airflow that flows from the inlet into the chamber and then flows out through the outlet; a light concentrating reflector arranged in the chamber near the outlet, the light concentrating reflector having a periphery hindering the airflow from flowing from the chamber to the outlet, and the light concentrating reflector comprising a groove wall forming a reflective cavity confronting a flow direction of the airflow in the chamber; and a light emitter arranged in the reflective cavity such that at least part of light emitted by the light emitter is reflected by the groove wall to be parallel to the flow direction.