Vehicle UV Sterilization Apparatus with Dual Power Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air conditioners face difficulties in efficiently maintaining indoor air quality due to cumbersome cabin filter replacement and limited visibility into contamination states, and there is a need for effective sterilization methods to combat infectious diseases.
Innovation Solution
An ultraviolet sterilization apparatus for vehicles that includes UV modules installed at various locations within the vehicle, a control unit that determines operating conditions based on vehicle information, and a power conversion system to switch between main and auxiliary power for stable operation, ensuring comprehensive sterilization without shaded areas and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV modules are installed at multiple locations for comprehensive sterilization, then sterilization coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization system is divided into multiple UV modules (first UV module and second UV module) installed at different locations within the vehicle. The first UV module is installed in the ceiling console to sterilize the driver's seat area, while the second UV module is installed in the glove box to sterilize the passenger's seat area. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of different zones without requiring a single complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each UV module is specifically positioned to address the sterilization needs of its local area. The first UV module targets the driver's seat region through the ceiling console location, while the second UV module targets the passenger's seat region through the glove box location. This local quality approach ensures that each module optimizes its sterilization effect in its specific zone without interfering with other areas.
2Reliability
If sterilization operates continuously to maintain air quality, then purification effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit operates the UV modules periodically rather than continuously. It determines operating conditions based on vehicle information such as whether the vehicle is in operation, parking, or charging state. The sterilization is activated during specific periods (e.g., when the vehicle is parked or charging) and deactivated during other periods (e.g., when the vehicle is being driven), thereby maintaining air quality effectiveness while significantly reducing overall power consumption.
3Reliability
If sterilization operates during vehicle operation, then air quality maintenance is improved, but passenger safety is compromised due to UV exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic operation that specifically excludes sterilization during vehicle operation. The system monitors vehicle state and only activates UV modules when the vehicle is in parking or charging states with no passengers present. This periodic action pattern ensures air quality maintenance during safe periods while completely avoiding UV exposure to passengers during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that mediates between the sterilization function and passenger safety. It monitors vehicle operating conditions and intermediate states (parking, charging) to determine appropriate sterilization timing, thereby protecting passengers from UV exposure while still achieving air purification goals during safe operational windows.
4Ease of manufacture
If cabin filter replacement requires glove box disassembly and reinsertion, then filter replacement is achieved, but time consumption and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic sterilization operation without requiring manual intervention for filter replacement or system activation. The control unit automatically monitors vehicle conditions and activates UV modules based on predetermined criteria, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for users to perform time-consuming manual operations.
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 sterilization apparatus provides thorough interior sterilization, considers passenger safety, and optimizes power usage by switching between power sources, ensuring continuous operation and reducing unnecessary sterilization time.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) that emits UV rays for air purification
Implementation Method 2
release ultraviolet light having sterilizing power
Implementation Method 3
emits UV rays for air purification
Implementation Method 4
sterilization effect of an ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) that emits UV rays for air purification
Data Source
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AI summary
An ultraviolet (UV) sterilization apparatus for a vehicle, including a main power input unit (20) configured to receive main power from a main battery of a vehicle, an auxiliary power input unit (30) configured to receive auxiliary power from an auxiliary battery (60), a main power detection unit (10) configured to detect a state of a main power input from the main power input unit (20), an auxiliary power detection unit (40) configured to detect a charging state of the auxiliary battery (60), a vehicle information input unit (50) configured to receive vehicle information for determining a state of the vehicle, a power conversion unit (70) configured to switch between the main power input and an auxiliary power input, respectively, a plurality of UV modules (100) installed at a plurality of locations in the vehicle and configured to irradiate UV rays, an UV driving unit (90) configured to drive the plurality of UV modules (100) and a control unit (80) configured to receive a vehicle information input, the state of the main power input and the charging state of the auxiliary battery, determine an operating condition of the UV modules (100), and control the power conversion unit (70) so as to drive the plurality of UV modules (100) independently through the UV driving unit (90) during a sterilization driving time.