Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to sanitizing systems, such as may be used to sanitize structures and areas within vehicles, such as commercial aircraft, and more particularly to systems and methods for maintaining electrical contact in relation to ultraviolet lamps of sanitizing systems.
Vehicles such as commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between various locations. Systems are currently being developed to disinfect or otherwise sanitize surfaces within aircraft, for example, that use ultraviolet (UV) light.
In order to sanitize a surface of a structure, a known UV light sterilization method emits a broad spectrum UVC light onto the structure. However, UVC light typically takes a significant amount of time (for example, three minutes) to kill various microbes. Further, various microbes may not be vulnerable to UVC light. That is, such microbes may be able to withstand exposure to UVC light.
Also, certain types of microbes may develop a resistance to UVC light. For example, while UVC light may initially kill certain types of microbes, with continued exposure to UVC light over time, the particular species of microbe may develop a resistance to UVC light and able to withstand UVC light exposure.
Additionally, direct exposure of certain types of UV light may pose risk to humans. For example, certain known UV systems emit UV light having a wavelength of 254 nm, which may pose a risk to humans. As such, certain known UV light disinfection systems and methods are operated in the absence of individuals. For example, a UV light disinfection system within a lavatory may be operated when no individual is within the lavatory, and deactivated when an individual is present within the lavatory.
Further, certain UV light sanitizing systems include excimer lamps. Electrical connections to excimer lamps may be less than reliable due to generated heat. For example, a 222 nm UV lamp may have a low temperature solder joint that attaches an electrical braid to the lamp, which may result in failure of the connection at the high operating temperatures of the UV lamp. The generated heat may break a grid line in the braid attachment. Further, tape that is disposed over the braid attachment may also inadvertently pull the grid line off when the tape is removed. Further, the resulting arcing may adversely affect neighboring grid lines, which may lead to the lamp being disconnected from the electrical coupling.
A need exists for a system and a method for maintaining a reliable connection between a lamp of a sanitizing system and an electrical coupling.
With that needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system for connecting an ultraviolet (UV) lamp with an electrical coupling. The system includes a braid attachment coupled to the UV lamp, and a conductive layer secured to at least a portion of the braid attachment. The conductive layer may be formed of copper.
In at least one embodiment, the conductive layer includes a foil wrapped around the at least a portion of the braid attachment.
In at least one embodiment, the system includes a mechanical restraining device configured to secure the braid attachment to the electrical coupling. For example, the mechanical restraining device includes a tape wrapped around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment or at least a portion of the conductive layer. As another example, the mechanical restraining device includes a clamp (such as may be formed of plastic) secured around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment or at least a portion of the conductive layer. As another example, the mechanical restraining device includes a tape wrapped around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment or at least a portion of the conductive layer, and a clamp secured around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment or at least a portion of the conductive layer.
The UV lamp may be configured to emit sanitizing UV light having a wavelength of 222 nm. The system may include a portable sanitizing system that includes the UV lamp.
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for connecting an ultraviolet (UV) lamp with an electrical coupling. The method includes coupling a braid attachment to the UV lamp, and securing a conductive layer to at least a portion of the braid attachment.
In at least one embodiment, said securing includes wrapping a copper foil around the at least a portion of the braid attachment.
In at least one embodiment, the method also includes using a mechanical restraining device to secure the braid attachment to the electrical coupling.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or steps. Further, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular condition can include additional elements not having that condition.
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sanitizing system and method that includes an ultraviolet (UV) lamp (such as an excimer lamp) that emits UV light in a far UV light spectrum, such as at a wavelength of 222 nm, which neutralizes (such as kills) microbes (for example, viruses and bacteria), while posing no risk to humans. The UV lamp may be used within an internal cabin to decontaminate and kill pathogens. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide safer and more effective sanitation as compared to certain known UV systems. The UV lamp may be used in a portable sanitizing system or a fixed sanitizing system. For example, operating the UV lamp to emit sanitizing UV light having a wavelength of 222 nm may be used with a portable system or a fixed system.
Optionally, the UV light may be at various other wavelengths. For example, the UV light may be within the far UV spectrum, such as between 220-230 nm. As another example, the UV light may be within the UVC spectrum, such as between 230-280 nm. As an example, the UV light may be emitted at a wavelength of 254 nm.
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method to maintain an electrical connection and contact in relation to an ultraviolet (UV) lamp, such as a 222 nm excimer lamp. The method includes applying a thin conductive layer (such as formed of copper of aluminum) at a compression point where the electrical connection contacts the UV lamp. The method also includes compressing the conductive layer and electrical connection to the compression point with a mechanical restraining device such as tape or a clamp. The tape and/or clamp is formed of materials that maintain structural and thermal capabilities at a temperature of at least 200 degrees C., for example.
In at least one embodiment, the method includes first applying a conductive layer to provide a greater area of electrical contact and spread heat to prevent a thermal hotspot. Next, the method includes applying a mechanical restraining device to secure the electrical braid and conductive layer together.
In at least one embodiment, the conductive layer is a thin material capable of conforming to the curved surface on the lamp, and is of a similar length as the lamp grid. The tape could be made of materials such as polyimide (Kapton), PEEK, Teflon, or Fiberglass, and is wrapped around the compression point to secure the conductive layer and electrical braid. The clamp may be formed of a thermoplastic material, and may have a C or U shape, with a hook on an open side to attach the open ends together to provide additional clamping force. The clamp is placed on the compression point to mechanically secure the conductive layer and electrical braid.
In at least one embodiment, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an application of copper foil to prevent detachment of a conductive adhesive on high temperature excimer lamp. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to repair such connections.
As shown in
A port 120 extends from the proximal end 116. The port 120 couples to a hose 122, which, in turn, couples to the backpack assembly 104 (shown in
The coupler 110 is secured to the outer cover 114 of the shroud 112, such as proximate to the proximal end 116. The coupler 110 may include a securing beam 124 secured to the outer cover 114, such as through one or more fasteners, adhesives, and/or the like. An extension beam 126 outwardly extends from the securing beam 124, thereby spacing the handle 108 from the shroud 112. A bearing assembly 128 extends from the extension beam 126 opposite from the securing beam 124. The bearing assembly 128 includes one or more bearings, tracks, and/or the like, which allow the handle 108 to linearly translate relative to the coupler 110 in the directions of arrows A, and/or pivot about a pivot axle in the directions of arc B. Optionally, the securing beam 124 may include a bearing assembly that allows the sanitizing head 106 to translate in the directions of arrows A, and/or rotate (for example, swivel) in the directions of arc B in addition to, or in place of, the handle 108 being coupled to the bearing assembly 128 (for example, the handle 108 may be fixed to the coupler 110).
In at least one embodiment, the handle 108 includes a rod, pole, beam, or the like 130, which may be longer than the shroud 112. Optionally, the rod 130 may be shorter than the shroud 112. One or more grips 132 are secured to the rod 130. The grips 132 are configured to be grasped and held by an individual. The grips 132 may include ergonomic tactile features 134.
In at least one embodiment, the handle 108 may include a lock 109. The lock 109 is configured to be selectively operated to secure the handle 108 into a desired extended (or retracted) position.
The reflector 142 may extend along an entire length of the underside 141 of the shroud 112. Optionally, the reflector 142 may extend along less than an entire length of the underside 141 of the shroud 112.
The UV lamp 140 may extend along an entire length (or along substantially the entire length, such as between the ends 116 and 118). The UV lamp 140 is secured to the reflector 142 and/or the shroud 112 through one or more brackets, for example. The UV lamp 140 includes one or more UV light emitters, such as one more bulbs, light emitting elements (such as light emitting diodes), and/or the like. In at least one embodiment, the UV lamp 140 is configured to emit UV light in the far UV spectrum, such as at a wavelength between 200 nm-230 nm. In at least one embodiment, the UV lamp 140 is configured to emit UV light having a wavelength of 222 nm. For example, the UV lamp 140 may be or include a 300 W bulb that is configured to emit UV light having a wavelength of 222 nm.
As shown, the reflector 142 includes flat, upright side walls 144 connected together through an upper curved wall 146. The upper curved wall 146 may be bowed outwardly away from the UV lamp 140. For example, the upper curved wall 146 may have a parabolic cross-section and/or profile.
It has been found that the straight, linear side walls 144 provide desired reflection and/or focusing of UV light emitted from the UV lamp 140 toward and onto a desired location. Alternatively, the side walls 144 may not be linear and flat.
In at least one embodiment, the portable sanitizing system 100 may also include an alternative ozone mitigation system. As an example, the ozone mitigation system may be disposed in the shroud 112 or another portion of the system, and may include an inert gas bath, or a face inert gas system, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 10,232,954.
Referring to
The openings 152 may be spaced around the lower surface of the shroud 112 such that they do not provide a direct view of the UV lamp 140. For example, the openings 152 may be positioned underneath portions that are spaced apart from the UV lamp 140.
Referring to
Referring to
In at least one embodiment, ranging light emitting diodes (LEDs) 159 may be disposed proximate to ends of the UV lamp 140. The ranging LEDs 159 may be used to determine a desired range to a structure that is to be sanitized, for example. In at least one embodiment, the ranging LEDs 159 may be disposed on or within the rim 157 and/or the cover plate 154.
It has been found that sanitizing UV light having a wavelength of 222 nm kills pathogens (such as viruses and bacteria), instead of inactivating pathogens. In contrast, UVC light at a wavelength of 254 nm inactivates pathogens by interfering with their DNA, resulting in temporary inactivation, but may not kill the pathogens. Instead, the pathogen may be reactivated by exposure to ordinary white light at a reactivation rate of about 10% per hour. As such, UVC light at a wavelength of 254 nm may be ineffective in illuminated areas, such as within an internal cabin of a vehicle. Moreover, UVC light at 254 nm is not recommended for human exposure because it may be able to penetrate human cells.
In contrast, sanitizing UV light having a wavelength of 222 nm is safe for human exposure and kills pathogens. Further, the sanitizing UV light having a wavelength of 222 nm may be emitted at full power within one millisecond or less of the UV lamp 140 being activated (in contrast the UVC light having a wavelength of 254 nm, which may take seconds or even minutes to reach full power).
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for maintaining a reliable electrical connection in relation to a UV lamp, such as a 222 nm UV lamp. Optionally, the UV lamp can be operated at different wavelengths, such as 200 nm or 230 nm. In at least one other embodiment, the UV lamp can be operated within the UV-C spectrum.
In at least one embodiment, the UV lamp is the UV lamp 140 within a portable sanitizing system, such as shown and described with respect to
In at least one embodiment, the braid attachment 200 is an electrical braid at an end 202 of the UV lamp 140. For example, the braid attachment 200 is configured to electrically connect to an electrical source, such as through one or more of an electrical braid, wires, couplings, or the like. The braid attachment 200 may extend along a length of the UV lamp 140. For example, the braid attachment 200 may provide a cage structure that extends along at least a portion of a length of the UV lamp 140.
The braid attachment 200 includes a mesh or screen 204 including a plurality of longitudinal linear wires 206 that intersect with a plurality of lateral linear wires 208. For example, the longitudinal linear wires 206 may orthogonally intersect the lateral linear wires 208, thereby forming a plurality of grid members 210. In this manner, the longitudinal linear wires 206 and the lateral linear wires 208 may provide grid lines. The longitudinal linear wires 206 and the lateral linear wires 208 may be formed from a metal, for example.
In at least one embodiment, tape 212 is wrapped around the end 202 of the UV lamp 140. The tape 212 may extend around at least a portion of an end of the braid attachment 200. The tape 212 could be made of materials such as polyimide (Kapton), PEEK, Teflon, or Fiberglass. The tape 212 can be wrapped around a compression area to secure the conductive layer and braid attachment 200.
A foil 214 is secured around the braid attachment 200 at a compression area 216. At least a portion of the foil 214 may be inboard from the tape 212. That is, the foil 214 may be between the tape 212 and a center of the braid attachment 200. Optionally, the tape 212 may wrap around an entirety of the foil 214, thereby compressing the foil 214 into the braid attachment 200. The foil 214 provides a greater area of electrical contact (such as in relation to an electrical coupling, such an electrical braid) and spreads heat thereover to prevent a thermal hotspot.
The foil 214 wraps around at least a portion of the braid attachment 200. In at least one embodiment, the tape 212 is wrapped around at least a portion of the foil 214 (which provides a conductive layer) to compress the foil 214 in relation to the braid attachment 200. That is, the wrapped tape 212 compresses the foil 214 into the braid attachment 200.
In at least one other embodiment, the foil 214 does not touch the tape 212. For example, the tape 212 may not wrap around the foil 214. Optionally, the tape 212 may not be used. Instead, a clamp may be used to compress the foil 214 in relation to the braid attachment 200. In at least one other embodiment, both the tape 212 and the clamp may be used to compress the foil 214 in relation to the braid attachment 200.
In at least one embodiment, the foil 214 is formed of copper. As another example, the foil 214 is formed of aluminum. The foil 214 provides a thin conductive layer that wraps around at least a portion of the braid attachment 200. As an example, the foil 214 may have a thickness of 5 millimeters or less.
In at least one embodiment, the clamp 220 is formed of plastic. For example, the clamp may be formed of a thermoplastic material, and may have a C or U shape, with a hook on an open side to attach the open ends together to provide additional clamping force.
The clamp 220 includes a first arm 222 spaced apart from a second arm 224 by an orthogonal extension beam 226. A clamping channel 228 is defined between the first arm 222, the second arm 224 and the extension beam 226. An opening 230 that leads into the clamping channel 228 is defined between free ends 232 and 234 of the first arm 222 and the second arm 224, respectively. As such, the clamp 220 has a C or U shape.
After the foil 214 (shown in
In at least one embodiment, the foil 214 can be applied to a portion of the clamp 220. For example, tape 223 secured to interior surfaces of the arm 222 or 224 may include the foil 214. As an example, the tape 223 can be a 1 inch by 0.5 inch copper tape applied over the braid attachment 200 and/or to the interior portion of the clamp 220.
The clamp 220 is placed on the compression area 216. The clamp 220 mechanically secures the conductive layer (for example, the foil 214) to at least a portion of the electrical braid (for example, the braid attachment 200).
Referring to
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system 201 for connecting the UV lamp 140 with the electrical coupling 260. The system 201 includes the braid attachment 200 coupled to the UV lamp 140 For example, the UV lamp 140 may include the braid attachment 200. Optionally, the braid attachment 200 may be separately coupled to the UV lamp 140. A conductive layer (such as the foil 214) is secured to at least a portion (such as an end portion) of the braid attachment 200. In at least on embodiment, the conductive layer includes the foil 214 wrapped around the at least a portion of the braid attachment 200.
In at least on embodiment, the system 201 also includes a mechanical restraining device configured to secure the braid attachment 200 to the electrical coupling 260. For example, the mechanical restraining device includes the tape 212 wrapped around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment 200 or at least a portion of the conductive layer. As another example, the mechanical restraining device includes the clamp 220 secured around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment 200 or at least a portion of the conductive layer. As another example, the mechanical restraining device includes the tape 212 wrapped around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment 200 or at least a portion of the conductive layer, and the clamp 220 secured around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment 200 or at least a portion of the conductive layer.
In at least one embodiment, the method includes applying, at 300, a conductive layer (such as the foil 214) to at least a portion of the braid attachment (such as the braid attachment 200) to provide a greater area of electrical contact and spread heat to prevent a thermal hotspot. Next, in at least one embodiment, the method includes applying, at 302, a mechanical restraining device (such as the tape 212 and/or the clamp 220) to secure the electrical braid and conductive layer together. The mechanical restraining device may be applied around at least a portion of the conductive layer.
Further, the disclosure comprises embodiments according to the following clauses:
Clause 1. A system for connecting an ultraviolet (UV) lamp with an electrical coupling, the system comprising:
a braid attachment coupled to the UV lamp; and
a conductive layer secured to at least a portion of the braid attachment.
Clause 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the conductive layer comprises a foil wrapped around the at least a portion of the braid attachment.
Clause 3. The system of Clauses 1 or 2, further comprising a mechanical restraining device configured to secure the braid attachment to the electrical coupling.
Clause 4. The system of Clause 3, wherein the mechanical restraining device comprises a tape wrapped around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment or at least a portion of the conductive layer.
Clause 5. The system of Clauses 3 or 4, wherein the mechanical restraining device comprises a clamp secured around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment or at least a portion of the conductive layer.
Clause 6. The system of Clause 5, wherein the clamp is formed of plastic.
Clause 7. The system of any of Clauses 3-6, wherein the mechanical restraining device comprises:
a tape wrapped around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment or at least a portion of the conductive layer; and
a clamp secured around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment or at least a portion of the conductive layer.
Clause 8. The system of any of Clauses 1-7, wherein the conductive layer is formed of copper.
Clause 9. The system of any of Clauses 1-8, wherein the UV lamp is configured to emit sanitizing UV light having a wavelength of 222 nm.
Clause 10. The system of any of Clauses 1-9, further comprising a portable sanitizing system including the UV lamp.
Clause 11. A method for connecting an ultraviolet (UV) lamp with an electrical coupling, the method comprising:
coupling a braid attachment to the UV lamp; and
securing a conductive layer to at least a portion of the braid attachment.
Clause 12. The method of Clause 11, wherein said securing comprises wrapping a copper foil around the at least a portion of the braid attachment.
Clause 13. The method of Clauses 11 or 12, further comprising using a mechanical restraining device to secure the braid attachment to the electrical coupling.
Clause 14. The method of Clause 13, wherein the mechanical restraining device comprises a tape wrapped around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment or at least a portion of the conductive layer.
Clause 15. The method of Clauses 13 or 14, wherein the mechanical restraining device comprises a clamp secured around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment or at least a portion of the conductive layer.
Clause 16. The method of any of Clauses 13-15, wherein the mechanical restraining device comprises:
a tape wrapped around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment or at least a portion of the conductive layer; and
a clamp secured around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment or at least a portion of the conductive layer.
Clause 17. The method of any of Clauses 11-16, wherein the UV lamp is configured to emit sanitizing UV light having a wavelength of 222 nm.
Clause 18. The method of any of Clauses 11-17, further comprising a portable sanitizing system including the UV lamp.
Clause 19. A system for connecting an ultraviolet (UV) lamp with an electrical coupling, the system comprising:
a braid attachment coupled to the UV lamp;
a conductive layer secured to at least a portion of the braid attachment, wherein the conductive layer comprises a copper foil wrapped around the at least a portion of the braid attachment; and
a mechanical restraining device configured to secure the braid attachment to the electrical coupling.
Clause 20. The system of Clause 19, wherein the mechanical restraining device comprises one or both of:
a tape wrapped around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment or at least a portion of the conductive layer; or
a clamp secured around one or both of the portion of the braid attachment or at least a portion of the conductive layer.
As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and a methods for maintaining a reliable connection between a UV lamp an electrical coupling.
While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like can be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations can be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.
As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is “configured to” perform a task or operation is particularly structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For purposes of clarity and the avoidance of doubt, an object that is merely capable of being modified to perform the task or operation is not “configured to” perform the task or operation as used herein.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the disclosure, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.
This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
This application relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/037,039, entitled “Systems and Methods for Maintaining Electrical Contact in Relation to an Ultraviolet Lamp,” filed Jun. 10, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63037039 | Jun 2020 | US |