Sterilization system, sterilization device, control device, control method, and control program
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization systems are inadequate for effectively sterilizing large spaces such as rooms and factories, as they do not efficiently target and eliminate viruses and bacteria that float in the air and adhere to surfaces, requiring cumbersome measures like air replacement or antiseptic spraying.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization system equipped with a light source unit emitting ultraviolet rays, horizontal and vertical angle adjustment units, and a controller that uses camera imaging and AI to adjust the light source's direction for comprehensive coverage of a wide area, ensuring targeted and efficient UV irradiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a fixed-direction ultraviolet sterilizer is used, then the device structure is simple, but the sterilization coverage area is limited and cannot effectively sterilize large spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilizer incorporates a rotating mechanism that enables the ultraviolet light source to dynamically change its irradiation direction. The rotation unit allows the light source to sweep across a wider area, transforming a static sterilization device into a dynamic one that can cover large spaces effectively without requiring multiple fixed devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces rotational movement as an additional dimension of operation. Instead of merely expanding the sterilization area horizontally by adding more devices, the system adds the temporal dimension of rotation, allowing a single device to cover a three-dimensional space by changing its orientation over time.
2Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods such as air replacement or antiseptic spraying are used, then sterilization can be achieved, but the workload is large and air conditioning equipment must be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical sterilization methods (air replacement systems, spraying equipment) with a optical field-based ultraviolet sterilization system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex air handling equipment and chemical spraying mechanisms, significantly reducing operational complexity while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultraviolet sterilizer operates autonomously to sterilize the space, eliminating the need for manual intervention required by conventional methods such as spraying antiseptics or managing air replacement systems. The device simply needs to be positioned and activated, after which it automatically performs sterilization through its rotating ultraviolet light source.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple fixed sterilizers are deployed to cover large areas, then sterilization coverage is improved, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating ultraviolet sterilizer serves multiple functions: it can sterilize large open spaces, target specific areas by adjusting its rotation, and be installed in various locations (ceiling, wall, or portable). This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized fixed sterilizers, providing both wide coverage and installation flexibility.
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 and effective sterilization of large spaces by ensuring thorough UV coverage, reducing the need for extensive air replacement or chemical use, while ensuring safety by using UV wavelengths that are harmless to humans.
Implementation Method 1
A sterilizer using ultraviolet ray (ultraviolet light) irradiation to sterilize bacteria without affecting human cells has been proposed and known
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization system of an embodiment includes a light source unit, a horizontal angle adjustment unit and/or a vertical angle adjustment unit, and a controller. The light source unit emits ultraviolet rays in a radiating form. The horizontal angle adjustment unit adjusts a horizontal angle of the light source unit by causing rotation of the light source unit in a horizontal direction. The vertical angle adjustment unit adjusts a vertical angle of the light source unit by causing rotation of the light source unit in a vertical direction. The controller captures a target of sterilization from a camera image, controls rotation of the horizontal angle adjustment unit and/or the vertical angle adjustment unit, and irradiates the target with the ultraviolet rays from the light source unit.