UV Disinfection Tunnel With Adaptive Emitter Control and Item ID
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack an efficient and energy-efficient method for disinfecting and identifying items using ultraviolet light while minimizing power consumption and ensuring thorough disinfection regardless of item size.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a tunnel structure with UV light emitters and cameras that adjust emitter and sensor activation based on item location and size, using machine learning to optimize power usage and ensure thorough disinfection and identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all UV emitters are activated continuously to ensure thorough disinfection, then disinfection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts UV emitter activation based on real-time detection of item presence and size. The controller receives signals from sensors that detect when an item enters the tunnel and determines item characteristics, then selectively activates only the necessary UV emitters along the tunnel path, transforming the static continuous operation into dynamic conditional operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel structure is divided into multiple segments with individual UV emitters positioned at different locations. Rather than activating all emitters simultaneously, the system segments the disinfection process into zones that are activated sequentially or selectively based on item position and size, allowing thorough disinfection of the specific item path while leaving other zones inactive.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and cameras are deployed to accurately detect item location and size, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multi-functional sensors and cameras that serve multiple purposes: detecting item presence, determining item size, tracking item position, and providing data for both disinfection control and identification functions. This universal approach allows accurate measurement without proportionally increasing complexity, as single components perform multiple detection tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary that receives data from multiple sensors and cameras, processes the information to determine item characteristics, and coordinates the activation of UV emitters. This centralized mediation simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a single point of decision-making rather than requiring direct complex interconnections between all sensing and actuating components.
3Use of energy by moving object
If UV emitters are selectively activated based on item size to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but disinfection thoroughness may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the number and position of UV emitters to activate based on real-time item size detection. Larger items trigger activation of more emitters or emitters positioned to cover extended paths, while smaller items use fewer emitters. This dynamic adaptation ensures each item receives appropriate disinfection coverage matched to its specific dimensions, maintaining thoroughness while optimizing energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfection approach is customized locally for each item based on its detected size and position. Rather than applying a uniform disinfection pattern to all items, the system adjusts the local intensity and distribution of UV exposure to match the specific geometry of each item, ensuring adequate coverage where needed while reducing exposure elsewhere, thereby maintaining effectiveness while improving efficiency.
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
Reduces power consumption by selectively activating UV emitters and sensors based on item presence and size, ensuring effective disinfection and accurate identification of items through encoded patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emitters may be arranged in a tunnel structure and may be configured to expose an item to UV light
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of cameras may also be arranged in the tunnel structure and may be configured to capture a plurality of images of the item exposed to the UV light
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an item is exposed to electromagnetic light using a plurality of electromagnetic light emitters that are arranged throughout a structure (e.g., while the item is being moved from a first opening of the structure to a second opening of the structure). A plurality of images of the item or object is captured by a plurality of image sensors that are arranged throughout the structure. A first pattern in at least one image is recognized. The first pattern includes encoded information associated with the item, and the first pattern is visible in response to the exposure of the item to the electromagnetic light. The encoded information is decoded, and the item is identified based on the decoded information.