UV Sterilization Socket with Integrated Gas Exhaust Passage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing culture apparatuses with ultraviolet lamps require additional openings and parts for exhaust pipes and electric wires, making installation laborious and space-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A housing apparatus with a socket section that includes a first opening for the ultraviolet lamp, a second opening for the electric wire, and a third opening to guide the wire outside, forming an exhaust passage without increasing parts or space, using an evaporation member to manage water and prevent bacterial reproduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If an exhaust pipe is added to ventilate the culture chamber, then gas generated by cell metabolism can be exhausted, but the number of parts increases and installation space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas accumulationVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the exhaust function with the existing socket structure by forming openings directly in the socket body. The socket serves dual purposes: supporting the ultraviolet lamp and providing gas exhaust pathways, thereby eliminating the need for a separate exhaust pipe and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The socket is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the ultraviolet lamp, provides electrical connection, and serves as the exhaust passage structure. This multi-functional design allows the same component to handle both electrical and ventilation requirements, reducing the total number of parts needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If an exhaust pipe is added to ventilate the culture chamber, then gas generated by cell metabolism can be exhausted, but installation space is required in the culture apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas accumulationVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust function is merged into the socket structure itself. The openings are formed directly in the socket body, eliminating the need for a separate exhaust pipe that would require additional installation space. The socket becomes the exhaust passage, requiring no extra space beyond what is already allocated for the lamp support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If additional openings are formed for exhaust pipe and electric wire in the casing, then gas exhaust and power supply are enabled, but the working becomes laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas exhaustVSAvoidworking complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple opening functions into a single socket component. Instead of forming separate openings in the casing for the exhaust pipe and electric wire, both openings are formed in the socket body itself during socket manufacturing. This integrates multiple functions into one component, significantly reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing labor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If an ultraviolet lamp is added to sterilize the culture chamber, then sterilization is achieved, but additional openings and parts are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacterial contaminationVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The socket is designed to serve multiple functions: supporting the ultraviolet lamp, providing electrical connection, and serving as the exhaust passage structure. This multi-functional design allows the same component to handle electrical, mechanical, and ventilation requirements, reducing the total number of parts needed while enabling sterilization functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables easy gas exhaust without additional parts or space, maintaining a sterile environment through efficient ultraviolet light sterilization.

Implementation Method 1

a housing apparatus that performs sterilization by irradiation with ultraviolet light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet irradiation: Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3561039B1Accommodation device
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 PHC HLDG CORP
  • EP3561039B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3561039B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3561039B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This accommodation device is for performing sterilization through irradiation with ultraviolet light. The device is provided with an ultraviolet light lamp (100) for emitting ultraviolet light, electric wires (101) for supplying power to the ultraviolet light lamp (100), socket parts (103) for supporting the ultraviolet light lamp (100), and a housing in which the ultraviolet light lamp (100) is disposed, wherein: the socket parts (103) have formed therein first opening portions (105) which are open to the inside of the housing, and second opening portions (106) which are in fluid connection with the first opening portions (105) and through which the electric wires (101) pass; and the housing has formed therein third opening portions (107) which guide the electric wires (101) to the outside and which are in fluid connection with the second opening portions (106).