Wall-Mounted Motion Sensor Control for Unoccupied UV Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UV lighting systems for sanitization are inefficient, costly, and pose safety risks due to manual activation and lack of integration with motion sensors, failing to address airborne pathogens and exposing occupants to harmful UV light.
Innovation Solution
A lighting fixture with integrated visible and UV light sources, controlled by a motion sensor and input device, automatically activates UV light when the environment is unoccupied, ensuring safe and efficient sanitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If UV lighting is activated manually using traditional switches, then UV lights can be turned on for sanitation, but UV lights may be activated during times when they are not needed or potentially dangerous to occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses motion sensors to detect occupancy and provides feedback to the control circuitry, which automatically adjusts UV light activation. When no motion is detected for a predetermined period, the system activates UV lighting for sanitation; when motion is detected, UV lighting is deactivated to protect occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining when sanitation is needed based on motion sensor data, eliminating the need for manual judgment. The control circuitry autonomously activates UV lights only when the environment is unoccupied, optimizing both sanitation efficiency and safety.
2Reliability
If UV lighting is used to destroy airborne pathogens, then sanitation effectiveness is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential exposure to occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting occupancy status before activating UV lighting. The motion sensor monitors the environment and only permits UV activation after confirming no occupants are present, preventing harmful exposure while ensuring sanitation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor acts as an intermediary between occupancy status and UV light activation. It mediates the control process by providing signals to the control circuitry that determine whether UV lighting should be activated, ensuring both sanitation and safety requirements are met.
3Device complexity
If manual control systems are used for UV lighting, then system simplicity is maintained, but automation and safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry performs multiple functions: it processes motion sensor signals, determines occupancy status, controls UV light activation, and manages timing. This multi-functionality achieves automation while keeping the overall system structure integrated and relatively simple.
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 sanitizes environments by automatically disabling UV light when motion is detected, preventing exposure to occupants and optimizing UV light usage based on occupancy.
Implementation Method 1
The control circuitry automatically deactivates the first light source and activates the second light source for a sanitation duration when the motion sensor does not detect motion for a predetermined threshold period
Implementation Method 2
a second light source configured to produce ultraviolet (UV) light
Implementation Method 3
UV light can sanitize/disinfect the surrounding environment over a period of about 30-45 minutes. In this way, viruses, germs, bacteria, mold, and the like can be destroyed to clean the air and/or surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting fixture containing both visible light sources and UV light sources is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the fixture is an overhead fixture. UV light can sanitize/disinfect the surrounding environment over a period of about 30-45 minutes. In this way, viruses, germs, bacteria, mold, and the like can be destroyed to clean the air and/or surfaces (e.g., furniture) of the room exposed to UV light. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention include a physical input device, such as a wall-mounted button, switch, or wireless device, that can safely and efficiently activate a lighting assembly to produce UV light in a way that protects occupants from unintentional exposure to UV light. This configuration is especially useful in situations where the use of UV light is regulated, such as in a hospital setting.