UVC Dose Sensing Node for Disinfection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UVC sterilization methods rely on inaccurate time limits for UVC radiation application, leading to inconsistent disinfection outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A UVC disinfection system that includes nodes equipped with UVC dose sensing units, which detect when a predefined UVC radiation dose is reached, allowing for accurate disinfection by transmitting a unique signal to control the UVC radiation emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time limits are used for UVC radiation application, then the sterilization process is simple to control, but the measurement precision of UVC dose is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/time-based control system with an optical detection system. UVC sensors detect the actual UVC radiation dose in real-time, substituting the simplistic time-limit approach with precise optical measurement. This allows the system to monitor actual UVC exposure rather than relying on predetermined time intervals, directly improving measurement precision while maintaining reasonable system complexity through the use of standard sensor components.
2Reliability
If fixed time limits are applied for UVC sterilization, then the operation procedure is simple, but the reliability of disinfection outcome is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where UVC sensors continuously monitor the radiation dose and provide real-time data to the control system. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust the sterilization process dynamically, ensuring that the predefined UVC dose threshold is accurately reached. The feedback principle improves disinfection reliability by verifying actual dose delivery while maintaining ease of operation through automated control that requires minimal user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of the UVC sterilization process. The sensors automatically detect the UVC dose, and the control system independently determines when the sterilization criteria are met, eliminating the need for manual timing and assessment by operators. This self-service approach enhances reliability through continuous automated monitoring while preserving operational simplicity.
3Reliability
If UVC radiation dose is precisely controlled, then the disinfection effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces UVC sensors as intermediary detection devices between the UVC radiation source and the control system. These sensors act as mediators that convert the physical UVC radiation into measurable electrical signals, enabling precise dose control without requiring complex direct measurement apparatus. The intermediary sensors simplify the overall control architecture while achieving accurate disinfection effectiveness through reliable dose monitoring.
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 system ensures accurate and consistent UVC disinfection by allowing precise control over the UVC radiation dose, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the disinfection process.
Implementation Method 1
a UVC sensing element configured to detect that the UVC radiation dose received by the node reached a predefined UVC radiation dose
Data Source
AI summary
A UVC disinfection system that may include a UVC radiation illumination unit, a control unit, and a node. The node may include (i) a power supply, (ii) a UVC dose sensing unit that comprises a UVC sensing element, wherein the UVC dose sensing unit is configured to sense that the UVC radiation dose received by the node reached a predefined UVC radiation dose; and (iii) a node transmitter that is configured transmit a node unique signal following a sensing, by the UVC dose sensing unit, that the UVC radiation dose received by the node reached a predefined UVC radiation dose. The control unit is configured to control an emission of UVC radiation from the UVC radiation illumination unit based on a reception or a lack of reception of the node unique signal.