Adaptable UV Sanitizing System with Interchangeable Adapter Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV light sanitizing systems are typically configured for specific applications and cannot easily adapt to different wavelengths or functionalities, limiting their versatility in various sanitizing tasks.
Innovation Solution
An adaptable sanitizing system featuring a sanitizing head with a UV lamp and interchangeable adapter modules that provide functionalities such as optical filtering, wavelength converting, fluid sanitizing, and object sanitizing, allowing the system to be easily adapted for different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UV light sanitizing system is configured for a particular application with a specific wavelength, then the sanitizing effectiveness for that specific application is improved, but the adaptability to different applications and wavelengths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal UV sanitizing system where a single UV lamp can perform multiple sanitizing functions across different applications by using interchangeable adapter modules. Each adapter module is designed to work with the same UV lamp, allowing the system to adapt to various sanitizing needs without requiring multiple dedicated UV lamps for different wavelengths or applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sanitizing system into separable components: a universal UV lamp unit and multiple interchangeable adapter modules. This segmentation allows the adapter modules to be swapped out depending on the specific application, while the core UV lamp remains constant, thus achieving both specialized performance and broad adaptability.
2Reliability
If different UV lamps emitting different wavelengths are used for different applications, then the sanitizing performance for each application is optimized, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal UV lamp that can serve multiple applications through the use of adapter modules. Instead of maintaining multiple specialized UV lamps for different wavelengths, a single UV lamp design is used across all applications, with the adapter modules providing the necessary wavelength-specific functionality when attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter modules act as intermediary components between the universal UV lamp and the various application requirements. These adapters modify or filter the UV light output to match specific wavelength needs for different applications, eliminating the need to directly change the UV lamp itself for each application.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed UV light sanitizing system is used for a specific application, then the system design is simplified, but the versatility for various different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sanitizing system into a simple, standardized UV lamp unit and separate application-specific adapter modules. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity for the core UV lamp while allowing versatility to be achieved through the modular adapters that can be produced and attached as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal interface design for the UV lamp that can accommodate multiple adapter modules. This universal design simplifies the manufacturing of the core UV lamp unit while enabling the system to perform multiple functions through the interchangeable adapters, thus achieving both simplicity and versatility.
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 adaptable sanitizing system effectively addresses the limitations of fixed UV light sanitizing systems by enabling versatile use across various applications, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in sanitizing different surfaces and materials.
Implementation Method 1
a known UV light sterilization method emits a broad spectrum UVC light onto the structure
Implementation Method 2
The optical filter is configured to filter the UV light emitted by the UV lamp
Implementation Method 3
The one or more adapter modules are configured to provide a functionality in relation to the UV light emitted by the UV lamp. For example, the functionality includes one of optical filtering, optical wavelength converting
Data Source
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AI summary
An adaptable sanitizing system (100) includes a sanitizing head (102) including an ultraviolet (UV) lamp (108) configured to emit UV light. One or more adapter modules (104) are configured to removably couple to the sanitizing head (102) at a coupling interface (106). The one or more adapter modules (104) are configured to provide a functionality in relation to the UV light emitted by the UV lamp (108). The adapter module can include a shroud (180) or frame that is configured to removably couple to the sanitizing head (102) at a coupling interface (106), and an optical filter coupled to the shroud (180) or the frame. The optical filter is configured to filter the UV light emitted by the UV lamp (108). The adapter module can include a shroud (180) that is configured to removably couple to the sanitizing head (102) at a coupling interface (106), and a fluid passage (186) in fluid communication with an inlet (182) and an outlet (184) within the shroud (180). Fluid passes into the fluid passage (186) through the inlet (182) and passes out of the outlet (184). The UV light is emitted into the fluid passage (186) as the fluid passes through the fluid passage (186) between the inlet (182) and the outlet (184).