UVC Sterilization Lighting Device with Segmented Air Duct
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UVC sterilization devices pose safety risks due to direct exposure to UV radiation, which can cause eye and skin damage, and require complex safety measures and training, while also having limitations in effectiveness and durability.
Innovation Solution
A UVC sterilization and lighting device with a frame, air duct, UV lamps, plasma modules, LED lights, and a control system that separates UVC exposure from direct line-of-sight and allows independent operation of lighting and sterilization, featuring a lock switch for safety and a fan for air treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UVC sterilization devices are used to disinfect air and surfaces, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but safety risks increase due to direct exposure to UV radiation causing eye and skin damage
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: UVC sterilization module, LED lighting module, and control module. The UVC lamps are enclosed within a housing that prevents direct exposure to users, while LED lights provide illumination without the harmful effects of UVC radiation. This segmentation allows the sterilization function to be maintained while eliminating the safety hazard of direct UVC exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that manages the operation of UVC lamps and LED lights. The controller activates UVC sterilization only when necessary and ensures proper enclosure closure before operation. Additionally, the LED lighting serves as an intermediary that provides necessary illumination without the harmful properties of UVC, allowing the system to maintain both effectiveness and safety.
2Reliability
If traditional UVC lamps are used for sterilization, then disinfection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to required safety measures and training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the UVC sterilization function with LED lighting and control systems into a single integrated device. The controller automatically manages safety protocols, enclosure monitoring, and operational sequences, eliminating the need for separate safety devices and reducing training requirements. The combined design maintains disinfection effectiveness while simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates automatic safety features that operate without user intervention. The system automatically monitors enclosure closure, controls UVC lamp activation based on operational conditions, and manages the sequencing of sterilization and lighting functions. This self-service approach to safety management reduces the burden on users and eliminates the need for extensive training.
3Reliability
If UVC radiation is used to inactivate viruses and bacteria, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but durability decreases due to limitations in direct exposure and contaminant interference
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to provide continuous air circulation and sterilization through the integrated fan and UVC lamp system. The fan continuously moves air through the sterilization chamber, ensuring sustained exposure to UVC radiation for effective pathogen inactivation. The LED lighting provides continuous illumination without the durability limitations associated with traditional UVC lamps, allowing the system to maintain both sterilization effectiveness and operational longevity.
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 device effectively sterilizes air without direct exposure to UVC radiation, ensuring safety for users and maintaining illumination while providing efficient air disinfection, with controlled UVC treatment and LED lighting that can be operated independently.
Implementation Method 1
UVC radiation damages RNA and DNA, stopping microbes (viruses, bacteria, etc.) from replicating
Implementation Method 2
one or more plasma modules that power the UV lamps
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of LED lights that are attached to one or more light boards
Implementation Method 4
a fan that transmits treated air through one or more air outlets into the room
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting device that provides, in addition to effective LED illumination, controlled UVC treatment of an airflow that provides sterilization of the air without endangering those using the illumination or damaging the environment being illuminated. Some embodiments include variable light and sterilization control, with variables being timing, intensity and light color, for example.