405 nm Light Emitting Subcomponent for Continuous Microorganism Inactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfection methods, such as chemical cleaners and UV light systems, are either intermittent or pose health risks, and UV light can cause material degradation, while existing visible light disinfection technologies may not effectively inactivate microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, and fungi without harming humans or animals.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting device with light emitters configured to emit a significant proportion of spectral energy in the 380-420 nm wavelength range, specifically centered at 405 nm, to initiate inactivation of microorganisms through a controlled irradiance that minimizes energy bleed into the ultraviolet range, ensuring safety and continuous disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light is used for disinfection, then microorganism inactivation is effective, but material degradation occurs and health risks are posed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter from UV range to visible light range (380-420 nm, centered at 405 nm), maintaining disinfection effectiveness while eliminating UV-related material degradation and health risks. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction by operating in a safer spectral region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful UV radiation into beneficial visible light radiation. By using visible light in the 380-420 nm range, the system achieves microorganism inactivation without the harmful effects of UV light, effectively turning a harmful approach into a beneficial one.
2Reliability
If chemical cleaners are used for disinfection, then microorganism inactivation is effective, but intermittent operation and potential harm to users occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous disinfection operation by using visible light-emitting devices that can operate safely and continuously without the intermittent limitations of chemical cleaners. The light emitters can maintain continuous operation while providing ongoing microorganism inactivation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical cleaning systems with optical systems (visible light emitters). This substitution eliminates the need for intermittent application of chemicals and enables continuous, contactless disinfection operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If visible light disinfection is used, then user safety is improved, but microorganism inactivation effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating spectral energy in a specific wavelength range (380-420 nm, centered at 405 nm) that is both safe for users and effective for microorganism inactivation. The narrow FWHM emission spectrum ensures energy is focused on the most effective wavelengths rather than being dispersed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the spectral parameters of visible light to achieve both safety and effectiveness. By controlling the peak wavelength at 405 nm and limiting the FWHM to less than 20 nm, the system achieves microorganism inactivation comparable to UV while maintaining user safety.
4Loss of energy
If spectral energy is concentrated at 405 nm, then energy efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise wavelength parameters (peak at 405 nm, FWHM less than 20 nm, greater than 50% energy in 380-420 nm range) to optimize both energy efficiency and manufacturability. These parameter specifications balance the need for spectral concentration with practical manufacturing capabilities.
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 solution effectively inactivates microorganisms like E. coli, MRSA, and Clostridium difficile with minimal exposure risk to humans and animals, providing continuous and long-term disinfection with controlled irradiance and spectral energy distribution, reducing microbial populations without material degradation.
Implementation Method 1
The light emitters may be configured to inactivate microorganisms on a surface a distance away from the substrate by emitting a light. The light may comprise a proportion of a spectral energy of the light, measured in a 380 nanometers (nm) to 420 nm wavelength range, greater than 50%.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems involving disinfecting light subcomponents are provided. An example system may include a substrate with one or more light emitters disposed on the substrate. The one or more light emitters may be configured to inactivate microorganisms on a surface by emitting light. The light may comprise a proportion of spectral energy of the light, measured in a 380 nanometers (nm) to 420 nm wavelength range. The light may comprise an irradiance at the surface sufficient to initiate inactivation of microorganisms on the surface.