UV Sterilization Module Waterproof Integration Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional UV sterilization devices using mercury lamps can pollute the environment and have limitations in sterilization efficiency due to ozone generation and beam angle issues, and existing devices lack effective waterproofing and ease of integration with various appliances.

Innovation Solution

A sterilization module with a UV light source mounted on a board within a protective tube, featuring bases with fixation grooves and a waterproof design that allows easy integration with devices like water purification systems, enhancing sterilization efficiency and waterproof performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mercury lamp is used for UV sterilization, then sterilization function is achieved, but environmental pollution occurs due to mercury content

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization functionVSAvoidenvironmental pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful mercury component from the sterilization system by replacing the mercury lamp with a mercury-free UV light source, thereby maintaining sterilization functionality while removing environmental pollution risks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable or replaceable UV light source module that can be easily replaced when depleted, avoiding the need for complex mercury containment and disposal systems while ensuring continuous sterilization effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If a mercury lamp is used for sterilization, then sterilization occurs through ozone generation, but sterilization efficiency is limited due to beam angle issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization effectVSAvoidsterilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a reflector structure that dynamically directs UV light rays through reflection to achieve uniform distribution across the sterilization area, overcoming the limited beam angle of conventional lamps and enhancing sterilization efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a reflector component that redirects UV light in multiple directions, transforming the unidirectional beam into a multi-dimensional light distribution pattern that covers the entire sterilization chamber more effectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a sterilization module is designed with waterproof requirements, then waterproof performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a waterproof shell or coating that encapsulates the electronic components and light source, providing effective waterproof protection through a simple external barrier rather than complex internal sealing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the sterilization module into separable waterproof sections, allowing each component to be independently sealed and assembled, thereby achieving waterproof performance through modular construction rather than monolithic complex sealing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If a sterilization device is embedded in specific appliances, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture and integration becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration with appliancesVSAvoidintegration difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal sterilization module with standardized mounting interfaces and dimensions that can be adapted to various appliances such as refrigerators, water purifiers, and humidifiers, simplifying manufacturing and integration across different product lines

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-configures the sterilization module with standardized connection interfaces and mounting features during manufacturing, allowing for easy installation and integration into different appliances without requiring complex customization for each application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 module improves sterilization efficiency by maintaining UV light effectiveness and provides a waterproof, easy-to-integrate solution for various appliances, ensuring effective sterilization and preventing environmental pollution.

Implementation Method 1

a light source configured to emit ultraviolet light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet light sterilization: Photoionisation

Data Source

PatentUS11939239B2Sterilization module and water purifying device having the same
Publication Date: 2024.03.26 SEOUL VIOSYS CO LTD
  • US11939239B2 patent drawing
  • US11939239B2 patent drawing
  • US11939239B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sterilization module including a light source configured to irradiate ultraviolet light, a board on which the light source is mounted, a protective tube accommodating the board therein and configured to transmit ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source, a first base coupled to one side of the protective tube, and a second base coupled to the other side of the protective tube, in which at least one of the first base and the second base includes an insertion part to be inserted into the protective tube, the insertion part having a first diameter when viewed in a first cross-section perpendicular to a length direction of the protective tube, and a cover part integrally formed on the insertion part and having a second diameter greater than the first diameter in the first cross-section.