UV Sanitization System with Motion Sensor Exposure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV light disinfection systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust UV light exposure levels based on individual movements within a space, potentially leading to excessive exposure for some individuals while failing to ensure effective disinfection in congested areas.
Innovation Solution
A sanitization system that includes a UV light source, a motion sensor device, and a controller, which tracks individual movements to determine exposure parameters and adjusts the UV light level or direction to maintain exposure within threshold limits, ensuring effective disinfection while minimizing individual exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light level is increased to ensure effective disinfection in congested areas, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but individual UV exposure exceeds safe threshold limits
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light level is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of individual movements and exposure parameters. The system transitions from static to dynamic control, modifying UV intensity according to current spatial distribution and movement patterns of individuals in the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor device continuously monitors individual positions and movements, providing feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to calculate exposure parameters and adjust UV light levels accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that balances disinfection effectiveness with individual exposure safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UV light level is reduced to limit individual exposure, then safety is improved, but disinfection effectiveness decreases in congested areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different UV light levels to different spatial zones based on local conditions. Areas with no individuals receive higher UV intensity for effective disinfection, while areas with individuals present receive reduced intensity to limit exposure, creating a spatially differentiated disinfection strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor device detects individuals before they enter high-exposure zones, allowing the controller to preemptively adjust UV light levels. The system performs preliminary assessment of potential exposure scenarios and takes preventive action to avoid exceeding safe exposure thresholds.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the system tracks individual movements to adjust UV light levels, then exposure control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor device serves as an intermediary between the UV light source and the control system. It captures movement data and translates it into positional information that the controller can process, simplifying the overall control architecture by separating sensing from decision-making functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically calculates exposure parameters and determines appropriate UV light levels without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates by processing sensor data, computing exposure metrics, and adjusting UV output autonomously, reducing operational complexity despite increased functional capabilities.
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 adjusts UV light levels and direction to ensure that all individuals in a space receive appropriate disinfection while limiting their exposure, optimizing the disinfection process and reducing the risk of disease transmission.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the environment with ultraviolet (UV) light using UV light sources
Implementation Method 2
a motion sensor device configured to sense movements of one or more individuals in the UV light zone
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitization system for a space includes an ultraviolet (UV) light source configured to emit UV light towards a UV light zone at a UV light level, a motion sensor device configured to sense movements of one or more individuals, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine, based on the movements of the one or more individuals, an exposure parameter value for each of the one or more individuals in the UV light zone, determine that the value of the exposure parameter determined for at least one of the one or more individuals exceeds a threshold value, and, responsive to determining that the value of the exposure parameter determined for the at least one of the one or more individuals exceeds the threshold value, cause the UV light source to reduce the UV light level of the UV light emitted towards the UV light zone.