Vehicle Water Dispenser UV Sanitization for Microbe Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle dispensers for water often fail to provide sanitized and potable water due to microbial contamination, which can be transferred to the dispensed water.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a source of ultraviolet light that emits UV radiation onto the dispenser outlet, particularly when the dispenser is in a second position, to reduce or eliminate microbes, using a housing that reflects the UV light for enhanced sanitization, and a controller to manage UV emission based on dispenser position and sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dispenser is installed in a vehicle to dispense water, then water dispensing function is provided, but microbial contamination occurs on the dispenser surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The ultraviolet light source is positioned to illuminate the dispenser outlet and surfaces before water dispensing occurs. The controller activates the UV light when the dispenser is in the second position (sanitization position), performing preliminary sanitization before the dispenser is used for water dispensing, thereby preventing microbial contamination from transferring to the dispensed water
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning methods with an ultraviolet light-based sanitization system. The UV light source emits ultraviolet radiation to eliminate microbes on the dispenser surfaces, providing a non-contact, automated sanitization method that substitutes for traditional mechanical cleaning processes
2Ease of operation
If the dispenser is made accessible for use, then ease of operation is improved, but microbial transfer to dispensed water increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sanitization by illuminating the dispenser outlet and surfaces with ultraviolet light when the dispenser is in the second position before water dispensing. This preliminary action ensures the dispenser is sanitized before it comes into contact with potable water, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and water potability
Solution Approach 2:
The controller activates the ultraviolet light source periodically when the dispenser transitions to the second position, creating regular sanitization cycles. This periodic action maintains the dispenser in a sanitized state between uses, allowing the dispenser to remain accessible while preventing microbial transfer to dispensed water
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ultraviolet light is emitted continuously for sanitization, then microbial elimination is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller activates the ultraviolet light source only when the dispenser is in the second position (sanitization position), creating periodic rather than continuous operation. This timing-based control reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective sanitization by illuminating the dispenser surfaces at appropriate intervals before and during sanitization cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The ultraviolet light is activated in advance when the dispenser transitions to the second position, performing preliminary sanitization before water dispensing begins. This preliminary timing allows the UV light to eliminate microbes without requiring continuous operation, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining sanitization effectiveness
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 UV light effectively sanitizes the dispenser surfaces, ensuring that dispensed water is free from microbial contamination, maintaining its sterility and reducing the need for physical cleaning agents, while preventing UV transmission into the vehicle interior.
Implementation Method 1
a source of ultraviolet light disposed to emit the ultraviolet light onto the outlet of the dispenser
Implementation Method 2
emit the ultraviolet light onto the dispenser to reduce or eliminate the microbes present on the dispenser
Implementation Method 3
emit the ultraviolet light onto the dispenser to reduce or eliminate the microbes present on the dispenser
Implementation Method 4
the housing comprises a surface forming at least part of the chamber, and the surface reflects the ultraviolet light that the source of the ultraviolet light emits
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprises: a dispenser for a liquid, the dispenser comprising an outlet for the liquid; and a source of ultraviolet light disposed to emit the ultraviolet light onto the outlet of the dispenser. The dispenser further comprises a first position and a second position that is different than the first position. The outlet of the dispenser is disposed closer to the source of ultraviolet light when the dispenser is in the second position than when the dispenser is in the first position. The vehicle comprises a controller in communication with the source of the ultraviolet light. The controller causes the source of ultraviolet light to emit the ultraviolet light when the dispenser is in the second position but not when the dispenser is in the first position.