Wave-Shaped Air Duct Sterilization Module to Extend UV Exposure Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air purifiers without filter elements that rely on plasma and UV sterilization face insufficient air irradiation due to high wind speeds, resulting in substandard sterilization rates.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization module featuring a frame with wave-shaped plates forming a wave-shaped air duct, where UV lamps are positioned to emit light, and optionally include reflecting layers and protrusions to slow air flow and enhance UV distribution, ensuring thorough air irradiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If plasma and UV sterilization methods are used without filter elements, then device complexity is reduced, but sterilization rate becomes insufficient due to high wind speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wave-shaped plates with curved surfaces to form a serpentine air duct structure. This curvature design forces air to change direction multiple times during passage, reducing wind speed and extending the air circulation path. The curved geometry increases the residence time of air in the sterilization zone, allowing sufficient UV irradiation without requiring complex filtration systems, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and sterilization effectiveness.
2Productivity
If high wind speed is maintained for efficient air circulation, then productivity is improved, but air exposure time to UV light is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the air flow path from a straight linear trajectory to a three-dimensional serpentine route through the wave-shaped duct structure. This dimensional change extends the air circulation path length without increasing the device's footprint. Air enters at one end and must navigate through multiple waves and direction changes before exiting, significantly increasing the residence time in the UV irradiation zone while maintaining efficient air circulation, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and exposure duration.
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 wave-shaped design reduces wind speed, prolongs air exposure to UV light, and improves sterilization rates while preventing direct UV leakage, enhancing safety and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sterilizing lamp, disposed on the wave-shaped plate and used to emit UV light towards the air duct
Implementation Method 2
the wave-shaped plate is disposed with a reflecting layer which is used to reflect the UV light emitted from the sterilizing lamp
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a sterilization module and an air purifier, which are applied in the field of air sterilization. The sterilization module is applied in the air purifier. The sterilization module includes a frame, a plurality of wave-shaped plates, and at least one sterilizing lamp. The frame is provided with a channel running through the frame from one end to another end. The plurality of wave-shaped plates are arranged at intervals in the channel, where each of the plurality of wave-shaped plates is bent alternately from the one end to the another end of the frame, so as to form an air duct that is wave-shaped between two adjacent wave-shaped plates. The at least one sterilizing lamp is disposed on the wave-shaped plate and used to emit ultraviolet (UV) light towards the air duct.