UVC Sterilization System with Occupancy-Based Lamp Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UVC sterilization systems for indoor spaces face challenges in maximizing sterilization effectiveness while preventing direct human exposure to UVC radiation and optimizing irradiation distance.
Innovation Solution
A smart air-surface sterilization system that uses a human body detection sensor to determine occupied or empty situations, adjusting the position of a UVC lamp and air circulation fan to perform either air sterilization when occupied or surface sterilization when empty, thereby maximizing exposure time and minimizing irradiation distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If UVC radiation is emitted at a longer distance to cover larger area, then the coverage area is increased, but the sterilization capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The UVC lamp is mounted on a movable platform that can dynamically adjust its position between ceiling-mounted (for air sterilization with larger coverage) and floor-mounted (for surface sterilization with closer proximity). This dynamic repositioning allows the system to optimize the balance between coverage area and sterilization capacity based on real-time needs.
2Manufacturing precision
If UVC sterilization is performed continuously to maximize sterilization effect, then the sterilization capacity is improved, but direct human exposure to UVC occurs causing vision loss or skin cancers
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates in periodic cycles, alternating between sterilization mode (when space is empty) and safe mode (when occupancy is detected). The movable platform repositions itself based on occupancy detection, enabling continuous sterilization operations without prolonged human exposure by pausing or adjusting position when humans are present.
Solution Approach 2:
An occupancy detection system acts as an intermediary between the UVC sterilization system and human occupants. When occupancy is detected, the system automatically adjusts the UVC lamp position or operation status, mediating between the need for continuous sterilization and the need to protect human health.
3Manufacturing precision
If the UVC lamp is positioned close to the surface to maximize sterilization effect, then the sterilization capacity is improved, but the system cannot be used when humans are present in the space
Solution Approach 1:
The UVC lamp is mounted on a movable platform that can dynamically adjust its position between ceiling-mounted (for air sterilization with larger coverage) and floor-mounted (for surface sterilization with closer proximity). This dynamic repositioning allows the system to optimize the balance between coverage area and sterilization capacity based on real-time needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platform enables the UVC lamp to perform multiple functions: air sterilization when positioned near the ceiling and surface sterilization when positioned near the floor. This multi-functionality allows the single system to adapt to different occupancy conditions and sterilization requirements without needing separate fixed installations.
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 effectively sterilizes indoor spaces by automatically adapting to occupancy conditions, ensuring maximum sterilization effect while preventing human exposure to UVC radiation and optimizing the irradiation distance.
Implementation Method 1
Ultra-Violet C (UVC) radiation may be used for sterilization and disinfection
Implementation Method 2
an air circulation fan to circulate air in the indoor space
Data Source
AI summary
A smart air-surface sterilization system of the present disclosure automatically determines an occupied situation or an empty situation of an indoor space and performs air sterilization using Ultra-Violet C (UVC) in the occupied situation and surface sterilization using UVC in the empty situation.