UV Fluid Sterilizer Dew Condensation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fluid sterilization apparatuses face issues with dew condensation on the outer surface of the tubular portion due to temperature differences, which can alter the optical characteristics and reduce the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet rays used for sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sterilization apparatus with a reflective portion on the outer surface of the tubular portion to enhance ultraviolet ray utilization efficiency and a temperature control unit to manage the temperature difference between the fluid and the environment, preventing dew condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fluid temperature is kept low for effective sterilization, then the bactericidal effect is improved, but dew condensation occurs on the outer surface of the tubular portion
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature control unit is introduced as an intermediary device between the fluid system and the environment. This unit actively manages heat transfer to prevent the outer surface temperature from dropping below the dew point, thereby eliminating dew condensation while allowing the fluid to maintain low temperature for effective sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of the outer surface of the tubular portion by introducing active temperature control. By independently controlling the outer surface temperature to be higher than the dew point temperature, the system decouples the fluid temperature (for sterilization) from the outer surface temperature (for condensation prevention).
2Productivity
If the temperature difference between fluid and environment is increased for better sterilization efficiency, then the sterilization speed is improved, but dew condensation on the outer surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control unit acts as a mediator that allows the system to maintain large temperature differences for fast sterilization while preventing condensation. It does this by actively heating or insulating the outer surface to keep it above the dew point, decoupling the temperature difference used for sterilization from the condition that causes condensation.
3Productivity
If a reflective portion is added to enhance ultraviolet ray utilization, then the sterilization efficiency is improved, but the optical characteristics may change when water adheres due to dew condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control unit performs preliminary anti-action by preventing dew condensation before it can occur. By maintaining the outer surface temperature above the dew point temperature, the system prevents water from adhering to the reflective portion, thereby preserving its optical characteristics and ensuring consistent sterilization efficiency over time.
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 solution effectively suppresses dew condensation, maintains the optical characteristics of the reflective portion, and enhances the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet rays, ensuring efficient sterilization of fluids with lower temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
when a difference between the temperature of the fluid and the temperature of the environment becomes large, dew condensation may occur on an outer surface of the tubular portion
Implementation Method 2
at least one light-emitting element provided in at least one of the supply head and the discharge head and allowed to irradiate the inside of the tubular portion with ultraviolet rays
Implementation Method 3
a reflective portion provided on an outer surface of the tubular portion
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment includes a tubular cover; a tubular portion provided inside the cover; a supply head provided at one end of the tubular portion; a discharge head provided at the other end of the tubular portion; at least one light-emitting element provided in at least one of the supply head and the discharge head and allowed to irradiate an inside of the tubular portion with ultraviolet rays; and a temperature control unit capable of controlling a temperature of a space between the cover and the tubular portion.