Bristle Ring Diffuser UV Light Concentration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current UV sterilization methods are inefficient in concentrating UV light on microorganisms, leading to potential harm to other surfaces due to stray UV radiation and require precise control of dosage and exposure time.

Innovation Solution

A bristle ring diffuser system that couples with a UV light source, featuring a base with an aperture and angled, opaque bristles arranged around it, which forms a cone to direct UV light and prevent stray radiation, while also dislodging debris and maintaining a safe distance from surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If UV light is emitted without concentration control, then the coverage area is large, but the UV light intensity on microorganisms is insufficient and stray UV light harms other surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV light intensity on microorganismsVSAvoidstray UV light harm to other surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser is segmented into multiple bristle elements arranged in a conical pattern, each bristle acting as an independent light-blocking element. This segmentation allows precise control of UV light direction while maintaining a compact structure that concentrates light on the target surface without allowing stray light to reach other areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bristle elements have specific optical properties (opaque to UV light) and are positioned at specific angles relative to the UV source. This local quality control ensures that UV light is concentrated in specific directions toward the target surface while blocking light in other directions, thereby preventing harm to surrounding surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If UV light exposure time is extended to ensure effective sterilization, then microbial inactivation is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobial inactivation effectivenessVSAvoiddisinfection speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The conical diffuser structure is pre-configured with bristle elements at optimal angles to concentrate UV light before it reaches the target surface. This preliminary concentration of light intensity means that effective microbial inactivation can be achieved in shorter exposure times, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the UV light source is placed close to the surface for effective disinfection, then the disinfection efficiency is improved, but the risk of harm to the light source and surrounding surfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection efficiencyVSAvoidharm to light source and surrounding surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conical diffuser with bristle elements acts as an intermediary between the UV light source and the target surface. It concentrates UV light toward the surface while the bristle structure itself maintains a physical barrier that prevents direct contact between the light source and the surface, reducing the risk of harm to both the light source and surrounding areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Illumination intensity

If a focused UV light beam is used to concentrate light on microorganisms, then the UV light intensity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentration of UV light on microorganismsVSAvoidstructure complexity of diffuser

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diffuser is constructed from simple, inexpensive bristle elements that can be easily manufactured and replaced. This approach allows for a simple device structure that achieves effective UV light concentration without requiring complex optical components, thereby maintaining low device complexity while improving UV light intensity on microorganisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Effectively concentrates UV light on surfaces for disinfection, minimizes harm to nearby surfaces by blocking stray radiation, and ensures consistent exposure for effective microbial inactivation, enhancing the safety and utility of UV light sources.

Implementation Method 1

The plurality of bristles can also be opaque to UV light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11992567B2Bristle ring diffuser

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION

AI summary

A bristle ring diffuser for diffusing UV light is described herein. In one example, the radiation diffuser cone comprises a base and a plurality of bristles. The base has an interface which is coupleable to an object having an ultraviolet (UV) light source. The base also has an aperture which aligns with the UV light source when the interface is coupled to the UV light source. The plurality of bristles is arranged about the aperture and extend from the base. The plurality of bristles is opaque to UV light and is angled away from a central axis of the aperture.