UV Sanitizing Assembly Flow Switch and RFID Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UV treatment assemblies lack safety features to prevent inadvertent operation and do not efficiently manage fluid flow, leading to potential misuse or inefficiencies in UV light delivery.
Innovation Solution
The UV light source assembly incorporates a keyed lamp assembly with an RFID system and a sensitive flow switch that interacts with a ballast controller to ensure proper operation, including a twist-lock mechanism and a flow switch with a magnet and sensor system to detect fluid flow, preventing accidental UV exposure and optimizing UV source usage based on flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UV treatment assembly operates without safety features, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and safety of operation deteriorate due to potential inadvertent operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by requiring specific conditions to be met before UV operation: fluid flow must be detected first, and the system must be in a ready state. This prevents inadvertent operation by ensuring the system is properly configured and fluid is flowing before UV light is activated, thereby improving safety without significantly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor fluid flow and system state. The controller receives feedback about whether fluid is flowing and adjusts UV operation accordingly, preventing operation when conditions are unsafe. This feedback loop improves reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity through intelligent control
2Loss of energy
If a UV treatment assembly operates without flow management, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of energy increases due to UV operation during non-flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using fluid flow sensors to continuously monitor whether fluid is flowing through the treatment assembly. The controller receives this feedback and automatically adjusts UV light operation - turning it off when no flow is detected and turning it on when flow is present. This ensures UV energy is only consumed when treatment is actually needed, improving energy efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically managing its own operation based on detected conditions. The flow sensors and controller work together to autonomously determine when UV treatment should be active, eliminating the need for manual monitoring or control. This self-regulating capability improves energy efficiency while keeping the control system relatively simple
3Loss of time
If a UV treatment assembly lacks usage tracking, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to lack of maintenance scheduling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through sensors and controllers that continuously track UV source usage, operating hours, and treatment conditions. This data is monitored and used to determine when maintenance or replacement is needed. The system provides feedback about usage levels, enabling timely maintenance scheduling without requiring complex manual tracking or external monitoring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring and recording its own usage patterns. The controller tracks operating hours and treatment cycles, maintaining an internal record of when maintenance is needed. This automated self-monitoring capability improves maintenance efficiency by eliminating the need for external tracking systems or manual record-keeping, while keeping the overall device complexity manageable
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 solution enhances safety by preventing accidental UV exposure and optimizing energy use, ensuring uniform UV delivery and extending the lifespan of UV sources through proper usage tracking and replacement reminders.
Implementation Method 1
A UV source includes: a tab that twist-locks in the slot; a connector that aligns with the hollow; and an RFID tag. An RFID antenna interacts with the RFID tag to emit a first signal indicating position of the UV source.
Implementation Method 2
The flow switch includes: a guide; a shaft slidably mounted to the guide; a disc on the shaft; a collar on the shaft; a spring mounted between the collar and the guide to bias the shaft toward a closed position; a magnet coupled to the shaft; and a sensor for generating the second signal based on proximity of the magnet thereto
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
An ultra-violet (UV) assembly for treating a fluid with UV light has a housing. A mounting bracket defines a slot and a hollow. A UV source includes: a tab that twist-locks in the slot; a connector that aligns with the hollow; and an RFID tag. An RFID antenna interacts with the RFID tag to emit a RFID tag position signal. A flow switch sends a flow signal. The flow switch includes: a guide; a shaft slidably mounted to the guide; a disc on the shaft; a magnet coupled to the shaft; and a sensor for generating a magnet position signal. During no flow, a spring biases the shaft so that the magnet is positioned to be detected by the sensor. During flow, the flow applies pressure to move the disc and, in turn, the magnet moves to be positioned to not be detected by the sensor.