A germicidal light emitting device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current germicidal light emitting devices lack improved safety and performance, particularly in meeting UV dose legislation and effectively disinfecting bacteria and viruses vulnerable to different wavelengths of UV light.
Innovation Solution
A germicidal light emitting device with multiple UV light sources emitting different spectral distributions in distinct directions, allowing for targeted germicidal effects on various pathogens while minimizing interference and ensuring safety by directing UV-C light away from people, with features like collimators and adjustable mounting for optimal air flow and light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple UV light sources with different wavelengths are used to target different bacteria and viruses, then the germicidal performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the UV light emission into different directional beams, each with specific wavelength characteristics tailored to target different types of pathogens. This allows the single device to provide comprehensive germicidal coverage across multiple pathogen types without requiring multiple separate light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple UV light sources with different spectral distributions into a single housing, enabling it to simultaneously or sequentially target different groups of bacteria and viruses, thereby providing universal germicidal protection.
2Reliability
If UV-C light is directed towards people for effective disinfection, then the germicidal effect is improved, but the safety decreases due to harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by directing different types of UV light in different directions: UV-C light is directed towards surfaces and air flows for maximum germicidal effect, while UV-A and UV-B light are directed towards areas where people may be present, providing safer illumination with still-effective disinfection properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The device converts the potentially harmful UV-C light into a beneficial tool by directing it away from people and towards air flows and surfaces, while using safer UV-A and UV-B light in directions where people may be present, thus maintaining germicidal effectiveness while eliminating harm to humans.
3Ease of operation
If the device is made compact to reduce space requirements, then the ease of installation is improved, but the effectiveness of UV light emission may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where UV light sources are positioned within the housing in a space-efficient manner, with collimators and optical elements integrated into the same structure, allowing the device to maintain compact dimensions while preserving the effectiveness of UV light emission through optimized optical paths.
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 device achieves enhanced safety and performance by providing effective disinfection with lower UV doses and targeted irradiation of different bacteria and viruses, maintaining safety by directing harmful UV-C light away from people and using UV-A and UV-B for safer disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first UV light source arranged and configured to emit, when in operation, first UV light with a first spectral distribution
Implementation Method 2
the first UV light is UV-C and the second UV light is at least one of UV-A and/or UV-B
Implementation Method 3
a fan configured to provide an air flow through the air inlet, from the air inlet to the air outlet and through the air outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A germicidal light emitting device (1) comprising a housing (10) forming an air inlet (11) and an air outlet (12), a fan (13) configured to provide an air flow (20) through the air inlet (12), from the air inlet (12) to the air outlet (11) and through the air outlet (11), the air flow (20) being directed towards a first direction (D1) and away from a second direction (D2), at least one first UV light source (14) arranged and configured to emit, when in operation, first UV light with a first spectral distribution and a main emission direction being the first direction (D1), at least one second UV light source (15) arranged and configured to emit, when in operation, second UV light with a second spectral distribution and a main emission direction being the second direction (D2), and the first spectral distribution is different from the second spectral distribution.