UV Emitter Module for Diverse Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept relates to the application of a UV emitter module in various industries, including medical instrument disinfection, ventilation system virus inactivation, water purification, air purification in vehicles, and food product shelf life extension.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a UV emitter module for ultraviolet irradiation of substrates, primarily focusing on industrial applications. However, the limitations of this invention lie in its restricted use case. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by exploring new applications and use cases for the UV emitter module, thereby expanding its utility and value.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The UV emitter module, as described in the original patent, is adapted for use in diverse industries. In the medical instrument disinfection system, the UV emitter module is integrated with a chamber for holding the medical instruments and a control unit for regulating the UV irradiation and chamber conditions. In the ventilation system virus inactivation method, the UV emitter module is used to direct airflow through the module, controlling the UV irradiation to achieve a predetermined level of virus inactivation. Similarly, the UV emitter module is incorporated into water purification systems, air purification systems for vehicles, and methods for extending the shelf life of perishable food products.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The novelty of the present inventive concept lies in its application of the UV emitter module in entirely new industries and use cases, which were not considered in the original patent. The inventive step is the recognition of the UV emitter module's potential in these diverse applications, and the adaptation of the module to address specific problems in each industry.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variations in the design of the UV emitter module, such as modifications to the lamp arrangement, beam exit window, or housing. Additionally, the control units and sensors used in the various applications may be tailored to specific industry requirements.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The present inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical, ventilation, water purification, automotive, and food industries. The UV emitter module's adaptability to diverse applications opens up new market opportunities, enabling the development of innovative products and services that address specific industry challenges.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61L2/10 |
| H | H01 | H01J61/523 |
| H | H01 | H01J61/72 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation technologies for sterilization, disinfection, and surface treatment, encompassing lamp design, radiation control systems, and industrial/medical applications involving UV exposure
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An engineer or scientist with expertise in UV lamp technologies, radiation engineering, and experience designing radiation-based systems for sterilization and treatment across multiple industrial domains
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the UV emitter module's fundamental design principles can be readily adapted across multiple application domains by modifying control systems, environmental interfaces, and exposure parameters while maintaining the core UV radiation mechanism. The source patent's modular UV lamp housing provides a versatile platform that can be systematically applied to solve sterilization challenges in diverse contexts. The variations disclosed represent predictable engineering adaptations that leverage the inherent flexibility of UV radiation technologies.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,686 |
|---|---|
| Title | UV emitter module and use thereof |
| Assignee(s) | HERAEUS NOBLELIGHT GMBH |