Water Floor Interface UV Layout for Drainage Channel Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water disinfection systems on passenger transportation vehicles, such as aircraft, fail to adequately address contamination issues within water tanks and distribution lines, leading to unsanitary conditions due to airborne pathogens and biofilm buildup, despite periodic disinfection protocols.
Innovation Solution
A UV light emitting diode (LED) system is integrated within a water system floor interface, positioned below the floor surface to treat water as it flows through the system, using UV LEDs or OLEDs to emit germicidal light and eliminate bacteria, viruses, and mold without altering water taste or odor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a water system floor interface is designed to be watertight and easy to clean, then hygiene is improved, but bacteria can still grow in the drainage channel where soap scum and grime accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful accumulation of organic matter (soap scum, grime) into a beneficial trigger for UV light activation. The soiling itself becomes the signal that initiates the disinfection process, turning the presence of contaminants into the activation mechanism for eliminating bacteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensor system that detects organic matter accumulation and triggers the UV light source. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between soiling detection and bacterial disinfection, enabling automated response without direct human intervention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UV light is used to treat bacteria in the drainage channel, then bacterial growth is reduced, but the drainage channel becomes soiled with organic matter that triggers bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary UV light treatment at scheduled intervals or upon detection of soiling, preventing bacterial growth before it can significantly accumulate. By acting in advance rather than waiting for visible contamination, the system maintains hygiene proactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous or periodic UV light irradiation to maintain disinfection effectiveness. Rather than single-time treatment, the system sustains the useful action of bacterial elimination through repeated or ongoing exposure, preventing re-colonization.
3Productivity
If the floor interface is designed with a drainage channel for water flow, then water drainage is improved, but the channel accumulates soap scum and grime that promotes bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning methods with optical (UV light) and sensor-based detection systems. Instead of relying on physical scrubbing or chemical cleaners, the system uses UV radiation for disinfection and optical sensors for monitoring, substituting mechanical maintenance with automated technological solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the floor interface to monitor and treat itself autonomously. The sensor system automatically detects soiling conditions and triggers UV light activation without human intervention, allowing the system to self-diagnose and self-treat bacterial contamination.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a linear UV light source is used to irradiate the drainage channel, then bacterial treatment is achieved, but light intensity decreases at the edges compared to the center
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different light intensities to different regions of the drainage channel based on local requirements. By positioning multiple UV light sources at specific locations (including edges and corners), the system provides enhanced local illumination where bacteria are most likely to accumulate, rather than relying on uniform central lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single linear light source to a multi-point three-dimensional lighting arrangement. By distributing UV light sources throughout the drainage channel volume and positioning them at various heights and locations, the system achieves more uniform three-dimensional illumination coverage.
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 LED system effectively disinfects water by inactivating microorganisms, saving space and facilitating easy maintenance, while ensuring continuous water quality without chemical additives.
Implementation Method 1
a floor interface for a water system including a sink portion, a floor portion, and a drainage channel having a channel bottom and a channel front wall extending from the channel bottom. A ultraviolet light source is positioned at a corner of the drainage channel in substantially close proximity to the channel bottom and the front wall such that the ultraviolet light source irradiates substantially the entire interior surface of the drainage channel.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection system (10) for treating water prior to its delivery to a water usage device. One or more UV light emitting diodes (LEDs) are positioned within a water system floor interface in order to expose water flowing through the system to germicidal light treatment.