UV Water Purifier Reflective Cap Prevents Outlet Recontamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water purification systems, particularly UV-based systems in water dispensers, face challenges with recontamination at the dispensing point due to microorganisms present on the faucet or nozzle, leading to potential contamination of previously sterilized water.
Innovation Solution
A water purification apparatus featuring an elongate UV source with a UV-transmissive conduit wrapped around it, utilizing reflective means such as a tapered cap and faucet with reflective surfaces to ensure UV radiation is directed onto the outlet, enhancing sterilization efficiency and preventing back contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UV source is used to sterilize water in the conduit, then microorganisms are destroyed and water is purified, but microorganisms can still enter at the dispensing point from the outlet or be present on the faucet itself, causing recontamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by extending UV radiation coverage to the outlet and faucet surfaces before water dispensing occurs. The reflective means are positioned to ensure that microorganisms on the faucet or at the outlet are destroyed by UV radiation prior to contact with sterilized water, preventing recontamination before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reflective means (reflective cap and/or reflective baffle) as intermediaries to redirect UV radiation onto surfaces that would otherwise not receive direct exposure. These reflective elements act as mediators to extend the UV sterilization field to the outlet and faucet surfaces, ensuring comprehensive coverage without requiring direct line-of-sight from the UV source to all surfaces.
2Productivity
If the conduit is wrapped around the UV source to maximize sterilization, then more water receives UV treatment, but parts of the conduit extending beyond the wrapped portion do not receive sufficient UV radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective means serve as intermediaries to redirect UV radiation onto the outlet and faucet surfaces. The reflective cap positioned at the outlet end and/or the reflective baffle within the conduit redirect UV photons onto surfaces that would otherwise be in shadow, ensuring complete sterilization coverage without requiring the entire conduit to be wrapped around the UV source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs reflective surfaces that change the dimensional path of UV radiation. Instead of relying solely on direct radial exposure from the UV source, the reflective means create additional radiation paths by reflecting UV light onto surfaces at different angles and positions, effectively extending the sterilization field into three-dimensional space around the outlet and faucet.
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
This arrangement effectively sterilizes water at the point of dispensing, improving the quality of drinking water by ensuring all parts of the conduit receive UV radiation, thereby reducing the risk of recontamination and maintaining water purity.
Implementation Method 1
Ultraviolet (UV) systems are often used to purify water. These work by irradiating the water with UV radiation which serves to destroy bacteria and other microorganisms.
Implementation Method 2
reflective means for causing UV radiation to be reflected onto one or more parts of the conduit which extends beyond the part which is wrapped around the UV source
Data Source
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AI summary
Water purification apparatus, comprising an elongate UV source and a conduit for water to be purified formed of a UV transmissive material, wherein the conduit has an inlet and an outlet and positioned so that part of it is wrapped around at least part of the UV source thereby to sterilise water within the conduit, further comprising reflective means for UV radiation to be reflected onto one or more parts of the conduit which extends beyond the part which is wrapped around the UV source.