Sterilization Apparatus with Variable Reflectors for Uniform Germicidal Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air shower systems fail to inactivate microorganisms suspended in the atmosphere, leading to contamination of clean rooms and hospital wards, and lack uniformity in germicidal light delivery, resulting in inefficient sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization apparatus with adjustable light source spacing and reflective surfaces to ensure uniform germicidal light delivery, combined with high-velocity air jets to inactivate microorganisms and contaminants, and a controller for precise sterilization control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If air shower delivers jet of filtered air to remove contaminants, then dust particles are removed from subject, but microorganisms are not inactivated and may adhere back to subject
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air shower and UV sterilization systems into a single integrated apparatus. The air shower removes dust particles while UV light sources simultaneously inactivate microorganisms, achieving both functions in one unit rather than relying on air shower alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical air filtration approach with a combination of mechanical air shower and optical UV sterilization. UV light provides the inactivation function that mechanical air filtration cannot achieve, substituting the need for complex multi-stage filtration with a complementary optical mechanism
2Device complexity
If uniform spacing of light sources is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sterilization uniformity across different cross-sectional areas is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different light source spacing intervals in different regions along the support member. Regions with larger cross-sectional areas of the sterilization target receive light sources with smaller spacing, while regions with smaller cross-sectional areas receive light sources with larger spacing, optimizing sterilization uniformity across varying geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic light source arrangement where the spacing between adjacent light sources varies along the length of the support member based on the cross-sectional area of the sterilization target at each position, rather than using a fixed uniform spacing pattern
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple filters are installed to ensure air quality, then contamination prevention is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-stage mechanical filtration systems with a UV sterilization system that inactivates microorganisms in place. This optical approach eliminates the need for multiple physical filters and their associated maintenance requirements while achieving equivalent or superior contamination prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the presence of microorganisms in the air stream from a harmful factor into a manageable condition by using UV light to inactivate them. Rather than attempting to physically remove all microorganisms through filtration, the system accepts their presence and neutralizes them through photodisinfection
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
Ensures thorough sterilization of both surfaces and air, preventing contamination and improving efficiency by uniformly delivering germicidal light and inactivating microorganisms, reducing the need for filter systems and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of light sources is mounted on the support member and emits the germicidal light
Implementation Method 2
delivers germicidal light to the sterilization space
Implementation Method 3
The reflector may be an inner surface of the support member defining a cavity in which the plurality of light sources is mounted
Data Source
AI summary
A light module includes a support including a first region and a second region, a light source disposed on the support, and a reflector disposed on the support and covering at least a side of the light source. The reflector includes a first reflector disposed on the first region and a second reflector disposed on the second region. The first reflector includes a first slope extending along a longitudinal direction of the first region, and the second reflector includes a second slope extending along a longitudinal direction the second region. The second slope has a width that is longer than a width of the first slope.