UV Sanitizing Assembly Keyed Lamp and Flow Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UV treatment assemblies lack safety features to prevent inadvertent operation and efficient fluid flow monitoring, leading to potential misuse and suboptimal disinfection performance.
Innovation Solution
The UV light source assembly incorporates a keyed lamp assembly with an RFID tag and a sensitive flow switch, along with a ballast controller that adjusts UV output based on fluid flow and usage statistics, ensuring safe operation and efficient disinfection by preventing improper use and optimizing UV exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UV treatment assembly is designed without safety features, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and safety of operation deteriorates due to potential inadvertent operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a keyed lamp assembly that requires a specific key configuration to enable UV source operation. This key system is pre-configured to match between the UV source and control assembly, preventing inadvertent operation before it can occur. The flow switch is also pre-positioned to monitor fluid flow conditions before allowing UV treatment to proceed, ensuring safety conditions are met in advance.
2Reliability
If fluid flow monitoring is not implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but the disinfection performance deteriorates due to suboptimal UV dosage delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through a flow switch that continuously monitors fluid flow conditions and provides real-time feedback to the control assembly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust UV source operation based on actual flow conditions, ensuring optimal UV dosage is delivered when fluid is present and preventing wasteful operation when flow is absent, thereby maintaining high disinfection performance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the UV source operation is not controlled based on flow conditions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the energy efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary UV emission
Solution Approach 1:
The flow switch provides continuous feedback on fluid flow status to the control assembly, which automatically adjusts UV source operation accordingly. When fluid flow is detected, the UV source is activated to provide appropriate disinfection. When flow is absent or insufficient, the UV source is deactivated or reduced, preventing wasteful energy consumption while maintaining simple operation through automated control.
4Reliability
If a keyed lamp assembly with RFID tag is implemented, then the reliability of preventing misuse is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyed lamp assembly incorporates an RFID tag that is pre-programmed with identification and authorization data during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration of the key system creates a reliable barrier against misuse, as only properly authenticated UV sources can be activated. The RFID technology enables secure, contactless verification of the UV source's legitimacy and operational status.
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 enhances safety and efficiency by preventing accidental UV exposure, optimizing UV dosage based on fluid flow, and ensuring timely replacement of UV sources, thereby improving the reliability and effectiveness of the disinfection process.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mounted between the collar and the guide to bias the shaft toward a closed position
Implementation Method 2
a sensor for generating the second signal based on proximity of the magnet thereto
Implementation Method 3
An RFID antenna interacts with the RFID tag to emit a first signal indicating position of the UV source
Implementation Method 4
Treatment of fluids via irradiation with ultraviolet light is known to be an effective method for disinfection without chemicals
Data Source
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.