Valve With UV Radiating Element Inhibits Germ Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Valves in pipe systems allow germs to settle and reproduce on inner surfaces when in a closed state, leading to potential contamination and infection in drinking water supply systems, as existing solutions do not effectively prevent germ migration through closed valves.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a radiating element with a radiating surface that emits electromagnetic radiation, such as UV-C light, to inhibit germ reproduction on the valve member and passage section surfaces, combined with an electromagnetic wave guide to direct the radiation, ensuring that germs cannot migrate through the valve even when it is closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the valve is closed to control fluid flow, then fluid flow control is improved, but germ migration through the valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sealing system with an optical/electromagnetic system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical contact between sealing surfaces to prevent germ migration, the invention introduces electromagnetic radiation (UV light) that penetrates through the small gap between sealing surfaces to irradiate and eliminate germs on both sides of the valve, thereby substituting mechanical prevention with electromagnetic disinfection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary substance that can pass through the sealing gap. The UV radiation acts as a mediator that delivers disinfection capability across the gap between sealing surfaces, enabling germ elimination without requiring direct mechanical contact or closing the gap completely.
2Reliability
If the gap between sealing surfaces is reduced to prevent fluid leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but germ migration is not effectively prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reliance on mechanical gap reduction for germ prevention with electromagnetic radiation. Instead of making the mechanical seal tighter to block germs, the invention uses UV radiation that can penetrate the existing small gap to disinfect both sides, substituting mechanical blocking with electromagnetic elimination of germs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from modifying mechanical parameters (gap size) to introducing a new physical parameter (electromagnetic radiation). Rather than adjusting the mechanical seal parameters to prevent germ migration, the invention introduces UV radiation intensity and wavelength as new parameters to achieve germ elimination while maintaining the existing mechanical seal configuration.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electromagnetic radiation is added to inhibit germ reproduction, then germ migration prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the valve body serve multiple functions: it acts as both the mechanical sealing component and the housing for the electromagnetic radiation source. The valve structure is designed to integrate the UV lamp and waveguide within existing components, allowing the same device to perform both fluid control and germ disinfection functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electromagnetic radiation generation and delivery system with the existing valve structure. The UV lamp is positioned within the valve body, and the waveguide is integrated into the sealing gap area, combining the disinfection function with the flow control function in a single integrated device rather than separate systems.
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
Prevents the reproduction and migration of germs through closed valves by irradiating the valve surfaces with UV light, effectively maintaining water quality and preventing contamination in drinking water supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
a radiating element with a radiating surface that emits electromagnetic radiation, such as UV-C light, to inhibit germ reproduction
Implementation Method 2
combined with an electromagnetic wave guide to direct the radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve (10) for controlling a flow of a fluid, having a valve housing (20) with an outer wall (21) defining at least a first port (22) and a second port (23) for a fluid, and a fluid channel (24) connecting the first port (22) to the second port (23) and having a passage section (40) being located between the first port (22) and the second port (23), an elongate valve rod (32) being supported rotatable and extending through the outer wall (21), a handle (37, 38) being secured to a free end of the valve rod (32) outside the valve housing (20), and a valve member (30) being secured to a free end of the valve rod (32) inside the valve housing (20), the valve member (30) being arranged in the fluid channel (24) and having at least a blocking position and an unblocking position wherein the valve member (30), in the blocking position, closes the passage section (40) preventing the fluid from flowing through the passage section (40) and, in the unblocking position, opens the passage section (40) at least partially enabling the fluid to flow through the passage section (40), wherein the valve (10) has at least one radiating element (50) having a radiating surface and being arranged and configured to irradiate a surface portion of the passage section (40) and/or a surface portion of the valve member (30) with an electromagnetic radiation for inhibiting a spreading of germs thereon.