UVC Ceiling Light Assembly for Autonomous Vehicle Disinfection Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack a reliable and consistent method for disinfecting passenger compartments, as they do not have a driver to perform cleaning tasks, and human disinfection can be unreliable in thoroughness and consistency.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a lighting assembly with ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting LEDs within the vehicle, which can disinfect surfaces by emitting UVC light, along with a climate control system for active cooling to manage thermal loads and ensure effective disinfection without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UVC light emitters are integrated into the vehicle lighting assembly, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but thermal management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the UVC light emitter cooling requirement with the existing climate control system. The climate control system's airflow path is utilized to pass air across the heat sink, integrating two functions (disinfection and thermal management) into a unified system rather than adding separate cooling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sink acts as an intermediary component between the UVC light emitter and the climate control airflow. It transfers thermal energy from the LED to the passing air, enabling passive thermal management without direct mechanical cooling intervention.
2Reliability
If UVC light emitters are used for disinfection, then pathogen elimination is improved, but harmful effects to passengers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates UVC light emitters only after detecting that passengers have exited the vehicle. The controller receives sensor data confirming passenger absence before enabling disinfection mode, ensuring protective measures are in place before harmful exposure occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor data feedback to dynamically control UVC emitter activation. Sensors detect passenger presence and provide real-time feedback to the controller, which adjusts the disinfection system state accordingly - preventing activation when passengers are present and enabling it when the vehicle is empty.
3Reliability
If multiple UVC light emitters are deployed, then disinfection coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system strategically positions multiple UVC light emitters throughout the passenger compartment to achieve comprehensive surface coverage. By distributing emitters at various locations, the system ensures that all high-touch surfaces receive adequate UVC exposure during disinfection cycles.
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 thorough and consistent disinfection of high-touch surfaces in autonomous vehicles, reducing the transmission of pathogens and maintaining cleanliness without requiring the vehicle to be taken out of service.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting assembly with integrated ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting LEDs
Implementation Method 2
surfaces within a passenger compartment of a vehicle are exposed to UVC light emitted by LEDs
Implementation Method 3
a climate control system for active cooling to manage thermal loads
Data Source
AI summary
A system for disinfecting an autonomous vehicle includes a light assembly having LEDs configured to emit UVC light into a passenger compartment of the autonomous vehicle. The light assembly includes a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by the LEDs. In examples, the heat sink is disposed in the path of forced air associated with a climate control system of the vehicle. The climate control system may be controlled based on a temperature proximate the LEDs and/or the heat sink. In some examples, the light assembly is integrated into the ceiling of the vehicle and can further include visible light emitters and/or other features.