Sunlight simulator and irradiation device and use method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a sunlight simulator as well as an irradiation device and a use method thereof. The irradiation device is connected to the light outlet window of the sunlight simulator and can freely rotate around the light outlet window. The object carrying component of the irradiation device is provided with two symmetrical object carrying cavities which are used for carrying the experimental samples to be irradiated, the requirement that the multiple experimental samples are irradiated at the same time under the same condition is met, and the experiment efficiency is improved. Along with rotation of the irradiation device, the relative irradiation position of the object carrying component and the light emitting window can be adjusted, a more uniform irradiation area can be found, it is guaranteed that the illumination intensity of experimental samples in the two object carrying cavities is consistent, experimental data are more accurate, and experimental results are more objective. According to the irradiation device and the sunlight simulator using method provided by the invention, an implementation path with higher adaptability and higher reliability is provided for related clinical experiment research, the test problem in a sunlight simulator clinical experiment is effectively solved, and the usability and the application range of a sunlight simulator product are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sunlight simulator, specifically to a sunlight simulator and its irradiation device and usage method, belonging to the field of experimental testing technology for sunlight simulators. Background Technology

[0002] A sunlight simulator is a device that simulates the output of sunlight. Its light source uses an internationally recognized short-arc xenon lamp, whose emission spectrum is almost identical to that of the sun. The output light intensity can generally reach 5 to 10 times the intensity of natural sunlight. After being processed by filters in the optical path, it can output a spectrum of specific wavelengths. It has wide applications in fields such as medicine, cosmetic testing, and scientific research.

[0003] When conducting clinical research experiments using sunlight simulators, high standards are required for the experimental testing equipment and methods to ensure the reliability and validity of the experimental data. Factors such as equivalent conditions and experimental efficiency must be considered. For example, when studying the minimum erythema dose after sun exposure on the skin, multiple mice should be selected as subjects for light exposure. Each mouse should be exposed according to the experimental protocol, and then the skin erythema should be observed to determine the corresponding minimum erythema dose.

[0004] Currently, the illumination devices and testing methods used in this type of experiment have limitations. On one hand, the illumination device of the sunlight simulator is installed in a fixed direction and its position cannot be adjusted; the experiment requires high uniformity of light spot energy, and effective testing is impossible when the energy distribution is uneven. On the other hand, the centered design of the illumination device allows only one object (such as a mouse) to be illuminated at a time, failing to meet the requirement of simultaneous illumination testing of multiple objects under the same conditions. This results in low accuracy of experimental data and phenomena, low experimental efficiency, and affects the observation and judgment of experimental results. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is the low reliability of experimental results caused by uneven light distribution in sunlight simulators.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides an illumination device for a sunlight simulator, including a carrier component capable of rotating about the central axis of the light-emitting window of the sunlight simulator.

[0007] In some embodiments, the device further includes an irradiation device base and a connecting component; the irradiation device base is used to support the load component; a first end of the connecting component is connected to the irradiation device base, and a second end is used to connect to the light-emitting window of the sunlight simulator.

[0008] In some embodiments, the loading component is fixed in the middle of the base of the irradiation device; the connecting component includes a plurality of connecting posts, the first end of each connecting post being fixed to the edge of the base of the irradiation device, and the second end of each connecting post having a connecting buckle for connecting to the light-emitting window and being able to rotate around the central axis of the light-emitting window.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least one connecting post has a fastener at its second end for fixing or detaching the irradiation device from the light-emitting window.

[0010] In some embodiments, the loading component includes a first loading cavity and a second loading cavity arranged symmetrically, and their axis of symmetry intersects the central axis of the light-emitting window.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bottom of the first and second material cavities are each provided with a probe mounting position for mounting the probe of the irradiance meter.

[0012] In some embodiments, both the first and second loading cavities are provided with fixing mechanisms for fixing the irradiated object; both the first and second loading cavities are provided with movable door panels on their sides.

[0013] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a sunlight simulator, comprising a sunlight simulator body and the aforementioned irradiation device; the sunlight simulator body has a light-emitting window, the light-emitting window is cylindrical and has a ring-shaped groove, and the second end of the connecting column is fitted into the groove.

[0014] In some embodiments, the outer periphery of the light-emitting window is marked with graduations to indicate the relative position of the irradiation device and the light-emitting window.

[0015] A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for using the above-mentioned sunlight simulator, comprising the following steps: The probes of the light irradiance meter are installed in the first and second material-carrying cavities; The irradiation device is installed on the main body of the sunlight simulator; Turn on the light source of the sunlight simulator and read the light intensity values ​​in the first and second loading cavities respectively, and record them as the first light intensity value and the second light intensity value; if the first light intensity value and the second light intensity value are significantly different, rotate the irradiation device and read the light intensity value again until the first light intensity value and the second light intensity value are close to or equal. Fix the relative position of the loading component and the light outlet window, and turn off the light source of the sunlight simulator; Take two irradiated objects from the same batch and place them in the first and second loading cavities respectively, and then fix the irradiated objects in place. Turn on the light source, illuminate for the required duration, and then turn it off.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The irradiation device and testing method provided by the present invention offer a more adaptable and reliable implementation path for relevant clinical trial studies, effectively solving the testing problems in clinical trials of sunlight simulators and greatly improving the usability of the product. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a sunlight simulator provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the light-emitting window of a sunlight simulator provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sunlight simulator irradiation device provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the illumination device before adjustment, provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the illumination after adjustment of the illumination device provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] The meanings of the markings in the above attached diagrams are as follows: 100 Sunlight Simulator Main Unit 110 light window 111 Card Slot 200 Irradiation Device 210 First connecting post 211 Buckle 220 Second connecting post 230 Third connecting post 240 Irradiation device base 250 First cargo cavity 251 First sinking platform 260 Second cargo cavity 261 Second sinking platform 270 partition 280 movable door panel Detailed Implementation The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in this specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. The terms "an" or "a" and similar words do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. In the description of this patent, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0023] In the description of this patent, words such as "comprising" or "having" mean that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "having" cover the elements or objects listed after "comprising" or "having" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects.

[0024] In the description of this patent, when an element is referred to as being "fixed to / mounted on (or similarly)" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be intervening elements. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0025] In the description of this patent, the terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "horizontal", "horizontal", "vertical", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this patent and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this patent.

[0026] This patent provides a novel illumination device for a sunlight simulator. By employing dual (or more) irradiation sites as the irradiation area for experimental samples, it meets the requirement of simultaneous irradiation of multiple experimental objects under the same conditions, thereby improving experimental efficiency. A circular slot is provided in the light-emitting window of the sunlight simulator, where the irradiation device is connected for easy rotation and adjustment, thus finding a more uniform irradiation area and ensuring consistency of light intensity between the two irradiation sites. This makes the experiment more objective and the experimental data more accurate.

[0027] The following describes in detail the technical solution of the light-emitting window and irradiation device of the sunlight simulator provided in a preferred embodiment of this patent, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] (a) Structure of the light-emitting window and the irradiation device The overall structure of the sunlight simulator provided in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the sunlight simulator mainly consists of the sunlight simulator body 100 and... Figure 3 The irradiation device 200 shown consists of two parts that can be detachably connected, taking into account both structural stability and ease of maintenance.

[0029] The function of the sunlight simulator 100 is to output simulated sunlight. The light source of the sunlight simulator adopts a combination of short-arc xenon lamps or multi-wavelength LED lamps, combined with a high-precision optical system and temperature control drive module to ensure that the output light spectrum is complete and the light intensity is uniform and stable, meeting the needs of various scientific research experiments.

[0030] The light output window 110 of the sunlight simulator has a cylindrical structure, such as... Figure 2 As shown. Preferably, the light-emitting window 110 has an outer diameter of 132mm, and its lower edge is designed with a 3.5mm deep annular groove 111 for connecting the irradiation device 200. The inner wall of the groove 111 can be finely sanded to slightly increase the friction when in contact with the latch 211 of the irradiation device 200, ensuring that it will not move on its own under no force, thus improving connection stability. The outer peripheral surface of the light-emitting window 110 is engraved with scale markings from 1° to 360°, with a minimum scale value of 1°. The scale markings are made using laser engraving technology, are wear-resistant and not easily faded, and are used to accurately mark the rotation position of the irradiation device 200, facilitating rapid reproduction of the same test conditions when experiments need to be repeated.

[0031] The irradiation device 200 serves to support and irradiate the sample. The irradiation device 200 includes a connecting component, an irradiation device base, and a sample-carrying component. The sample-carrying component is located in the middle of the base, and the connecting component is attached to the edge of the irradiation device base.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the base 240 of the irradiation device has a circular plate structure with a diameter of 200 mm and a thickness of 15 mm, combining lightweight and high strength. Three countersunk holes for connecting posts are evenly distributed along the edge of the base 240, with the holes symmetrically arranged at 120° circumference. A connecting post is inserted into each hole and then secured with screws.

[0033] The connecting component includes three connecting posts: a first connecting post 210, a second connecting post 220, and a third connecting post 230. They have identical shapes and structures, and their lengths are all 150–200 mm, preferably 156 mm. The connecting posts are made of aluminum alloy or weather-resistant plastic. The first end of each connecting post is machined with a fine detail for insertion into the countersunk hole of the irradiation device base 240, and the end face of the first end has a screw hole. The second end of each connecting post has a connecting clip, such as… Figure 3 The first connecting post 210 shown has a latch 211. A through hole is also machined on the outer side of the second end of the first connecting post 210 for mounting a locking screw (not shown), which secures the latch 211 of the connecting post in the slot 111. In other embodiments, the connecting component may include more connecting posts, or may employ connecting components of other shapes.

[0034] The entire loading component is made of aluminum alloy, balancing ease of processing with structural strength. Furthermore, aluminum alloy can withstand long-term ultraviolet radiation and is heat-resistant, facilitating sterilization. The loading component is divided into a first loading cavity 250 and a second loading cavity 260 by a partition 270. Both are rectangular structures of equal size, with internal dimensions (length × width × height) of 8.8cm × 5.0cm × 3.5cm for each cavity, providing sufficient space for a typical mouse lying flat, facilitating mouse fixation and manipulation. The partition 270 is also made of aluminum alloy.

[0035] The central plane of the partition 270 intersects the central axis of the light-emitting window 110, thus ensuring that the two sample cavities are always located on both sides of the central axis of the light-emitting window 110. The irradiation device 200 can rotate at any angle around the light-emitting window 110 in the horizontal circumference to find a more uniform illumination area, so that the illumination intensity of the first sample cavity 250 and the second sample cavity 260 remains equal (or the intensity difference is known, for comparing experimental samples under different irradiation doses), ensuring the accuracy of experimental data.

[0036] The bottom of the first sample-carrying cavity 250 is provided with a first recessed platform 251, and the bottom of the second sample-carrying cavity 260 is provided with a second recessed platform 261. The platforms are shallow cylindrical structures with a diameter of 32 mm and a depth of 2 mm, used to accommodate standard radiometer probes. Anti-slip rubber pads are provided on the bottom of the platforms to prevent probe displacement. After the two probes of the ultraviolet radiometer are placed in the first recessed platform 251 and the second recessed platform 261 respectively, the probe receiving plane is aligned with the height of the sample-carrying component. Thus, the measured ultraviolet intensity value is the ultraviolet intensity value of the top plane of the sample-carrying component, which is the ultraviolet intensity value received by the skin surface of a mouse placed inside the sample-carrying cavity. The ultraviolet intensity values ​​of the two sample-carrying cavity regions are measured simultaneously for convenient data comparison.

[0037] The first and second sample-carrying cavities 250 and 260 are further equipped with fixing mechanisms for fixing experimental samples. Preferably, the fixing mechanism adopts an elastic clamp design, is made of TPU soft material, and is fixed to the inner wall of the cavity by bolts. The clamping height can be adjusted within the range of 0-50mm, which is suitable for fixing experimental samples of different sizes (such as mice, cell culture dishes, material samples, etc.), ensuring sample fixation while avoiding sample damage.

[0038] A shared movable door panel 280 is provided on one side of the first and second sample chambers 250 and 260. The movable door panel 280 can be made of 5mm thick transparent PC board, facilitating real-time observation of the experimental samples inside the sample chambers from the side. The movable door panel 280 is connected to the sample chambers via hinges and can be opened by rotating 90°. Figure 3 The image shows the open state of the movable door panel 280. Furthermore, a silicone sealing ring is installed on the edge of the movable door panel 280, which fits tightly against the cavity wall when closed, maintaining a stable environment inside the cargo cavity.

[0039] The above details one implementation of the irradiation device: the loading component and the connecting column are both fixed to the base of the irradiation device, and the connecting column can rotate around the light-emitting window, causing the loading component to rotate around the central axis of the light-emitting window. During the rotation of the loading component, a position can be found where the light intensity is close to or the same in the first loading cavity 250 and the second loading cavity 260.

[0040] Another implementation of the irradiation device is that the base of the irradiation device and the connecting column (or other connecting parts of other shapes) are both fixed to the light-emitting window. A rotating shaft and bearing are provided between the carrying component and the base of the irradiation device, so that after the carrying component is installed above the base of the irradiation device, it can rotate relative to the base of the irradiation device, and the rotation is around the central axis of the light-emitting window.

[0041] (ii) Assembly and connection of the irradiation device by Figure 3 Taking the irradiation device shown in the diagram as an example, the assembly and connection steps are explained. Insert the thinner portions of the first ends of the first connecting post 210, the second connecting post 220, and the third connecting post 230 into the countersunk holes at the edge of the irradiation device base 240, and then secure them with screws. The loading component is fixed to the irradiation device base 240. Align the three connecting posts of the irradiation device 200 with the annular groove 111 of the light-emitting window 110, bringing the latch 211 close to the edge of the groove 111, and slowly apply axial pressure until the latch 211 is fully engaged in the groove 111.

[0042] Gently rotate the irradiation device 200 to check its rotational flexibility, ensuring that the latches 211 of the three connecting posts can move freely 360° within the slots 111 of the light-emitting window without jamming. Then, wipe the inner wall of the slots 111 of the light-emitting window 110 and the surface of the latches 211 of the connecting posts with disinfectant alcohol to remove oil, dust, and other impurities, ensuring the connection surfaces are clean. Finally, tighten the locking screws until they are in slight contact with the inner wall of the slots 111 to achieve initial positioning.

[0043] Place the standard irradiance meter probe into the first stage 251 and the second stage 261, and check the fit between the probe and the stage to ensure that the probe detection surface is flush with the top of the loading cavity without tilting.

[0044] (III) How to use the sunlight simulator Due to limitations in light source manufacturing technology, the light intensity emitted from different positions of a single short-arc xenon lamp is not uniform. Achieving uniform light intensity across the entire light-emitting surface using a combination of multiple LEDs with different wavelengths is even more challenging. Furthermore, lenses have an absorption effect on light. To compensate for the poor uniformity of light intensity caused by the light source and lenses, this patent provides a rotatable irradiation device with symmetrical cavities. During rotation, the device can locate positions where the two cavities receive similar or nearly identical illumination, thus mitigating the problem of uneven irradiation intensity.

[0045] The calibration and testing methods for the sunlight simulator are as follows.

[0046] Turn on the power to the sunlight simulator 100, set the test light intensity, start the light source, and wait for the light source to run stably for 5 minutes. During this time, observe the working status of the sunlight simulator's cooling system to ensure that the light source temperature remains stable within the normal range. Read the light intensity values ​​in the first and second loading cavities 250 and 260 using a radiometer and record the initial data. If the difference between the two values ​​is too large (e.g., more than 5%), it indicates that the sunlight simulator's illumination spot is uneven in this area and direction, and adjustment is required. Before rotation adjustment, loosen the locking screw of the first connecting post 210, and then slowly rotate the loading component in 5° increments, pausing for 30 seconds after each increment, reading and recording the light intensity values ​​of the two loading cavities until the two values ​​are equal or close (e.g., less than 2%). At this point, record the scale position of the light window 110. Finally, tighten the locking screw again to ensure the illumination device remains stationary, pause the light source illumination, and the calibration is complete.

[0047] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the calibration process described above. The irregular circular outlines of the dashed lines in regions A and B represent the illumination spots, with the illumination intensity in region A differing from that in region B. Figure 4 In this configuration, regions A and B completely correspond to the left and right cavities of the irradiation device, respectively. At this time, the first cavity 250 is located below half of the light-emitting window (region A), and the second cavity 260 is located below half of the light-emitting window (region B). Figure 4 At the position shown, because the light intensity of half-region A and half-region B is different, the light intensity of the irradiated objects in the first loading cavity 250 and the second loading cavity 260 is different.

[0048] Gradually rotate the irradiation device counterclockwise to 90° (90° is just an example; in practice, other angles may be used until the intensity values ​​on both sides meet the requirements). The light intensity in areas A and B remains unchanged; however, because the relative positions of the loading cavity and areas A and B change, the light intensity in both loading cavities can be guaranteed to meet the expected requirements. When rotated to... Figure 5At the position shown, the area below half of the light-emitting window A is simultaneously illuminated by a portion of the first material-carrying cavity 250 and the second material-carrying cavity 260. Similarly, the area below half of the light-emitting window B is also simultaneously illuminated by a portion of the first material-carrying cavity 250 and the second material-carrying cavity 260. The total light intensity received in the first material-carrying cavity 250 is equal to the total light intensity received in the second material-carrying cavity 260.

[0049] Two mice from the same batch were anesthetized. The movable door 280 of the first and second storage cavities 250 and 260 was opened. One mouse was placed in the first storage cavity 250, and the other in the second storage cavity 260. The elastic clamps inside the storage cavities were adjusted to gently press down on both sides of the mouse's body, ensuring that the mouse could not move freely but that breathing and blood circulation were not affected. The orientation of the mouse's head and body posture were checked to ensure that the shaved area was directly facing the light source through the light outlet 110 without obstruction, and that the back (or abdomen, or other parts) of each mouse was at the same height as the storage cavity. The movable door 280 was closed, ensuring that it was tightly fitted to the cavity wall and that the silicone sealing ring was completely sealed to maintain a stable temperature inside the cavity. The light source was activated, and after the required irradiation time, the light source was turned off, and the experiment ended. Twenty-four hours after irradiation, the difference in erythema between the two mice was observed to conduct a relevant clinical comparative study.

[0050] Compared with existing technologies, the sunlight simulator irradiation device and testing method provided in this patent have several advantages.

[0051] The two symmetrical cavities of the irradiation device are used to carry experimental samples to receive simulated sunlight irradiation. This not only allows multiple objects to be irradiated simultaneously, avoiding the adverse effects of fluctuations in light output intensity and other conditions caused by short-arc xenon lamps on experimental conclusions, but also greatly improves experimental efficiency and the accuracy of comparative experimental data under the same conditions.

[0052] The annular slot connection of the light-emitting window allows the irradiation device to be adjusted at any angle within the same plane. Combined with the measurement data from the ultraviolet radiometer, the experiment can be conducted at a position where the ultraviolet light intensity of the two material cavities is consistent (or has the expected difference). This satisfies the requirement of simultaneous irradiation experiments under the same conditions, reduces data deviations caused by uneven irradiation spots or unstable operation of short-arc xenon lamps in the sunlight simulator, and ensures the effectiveness and accuracy of the experiment.

[0053] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of the present invention without creative effort. Therefore, all technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of the present invention through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An illumination device for a sunlight simulator, characterized in that, It includes a carrier component capable of rotating about the central axis of the light-emitting window of the sunlight simulator.

2. The irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an irradiation device base and a connecting component; the irradiation device base is used to support the load component; the first end of the connecting component is connected to the irradiation device base, and the second end of the connecting component is used to connect to the light-emitting window of the sunlight simulator.

3. The irradiation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The loading component is fixed in the middle of the base of the irradiation device; the connecting component includes several connecting posts, the first end of each connecting post is fixed to the edge of the base of the irradiation device, and the second end of each connecting post is equipped with a connecting buckle for connecting to the light-emitting window and being able to rotate around the central axis of the light-emitting window.

4. The irradiation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one of the connecting posts has a fastener at its second end for fixing or detaching the irradiation device from the light-emitting window.

5. The irradiation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The loading component includes a first loading cavity and a second loading cavity arranged symmetrically, and their axis of symmetry intersects the central axis of the light-emitting window.

6. The irradiation apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bottom of the first and second material-carrying cavities are each provided with a probe mounting position, which is used to install the probe of the light irradiance meter.

7. The irradiation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both the first and second loading cavities are equipped with fixing mechanisms to fix the irradiated object; movable door panels are provided on the sides of the first and second loading cavities.

8. A sunlight simulator, characterized in that, The device includes a sunlight simulator body and the irradiation device as described in claim 5; the sunlight simulator body has a light-emitting window, the light-emitting window is cylindrical and has a ring-shaped groove, and the second end of the connecting column is matched and installed in the groove.

9. The sunlight simulator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the light-emitting window has graduations to indicate the relative position of the irradiation device and the light-emitting window.

10. The method of using the sunlight simulator according to claim 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The probes of the light irradiance meter are installed in the first and second cargo cavities; The irradiation device is installed on the main body of the sunlight simulator; Turn on the light source of the sunlight simulator, and read the light intensity values ​​in the first and second loading cavities respectively, and record them as the first light intensity value and the second light intensity value; If the first light intensity value and the second light intensity value differ significantly, the irradiation device is rotated and the light intensity value is read again until the first light intensity value and the second light intensity value are close to or equal. Fix the relative position of the loading component and the light-emitting window, and turn off the light source of the sunlight simulator; Take two irradiated objects from the same batch and place them in the first and second loading cavities, respectively, and then fix the irradiated objects in place. Turn on the light source, illuminate for the required duration, and then turn off the light source.

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