Diffusive Light Illuminator Using Fluoropolymer and Fluid Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for diffusive ultraviolet radiation in disinfection systems face challenges due to the difficulty in manufacturing UV transparent materials, which are expensive and have inferior transparency compared to visible light materials, making it hard to achieve effective diffusive illumination for UV applications.
Innovation Solution
A diffusive illuminator system comprising a set of light sources and a light guiding structure with multiple layers, including fluoropolymer and transparent fluid layers, that diffuse ultraviolet light to approximately 40% of the Lambertian distribution, ensuring uniformity and efficiency in disinfection systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional UV transparent materials are used for diffusive illumination, then UV light transmission is achieved, but manufacturing difficulty increases and cost increases while transparency inferiority occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-layer composite structure consisting of a light guide plate layer, diffuser layer, and reflector layer. Each layer is made of different materials optimized for specific functions: the light guide plate uses UV-transparent material for light transmission, the diffuser layer uses materials with specific refractive indices for light scattering, and the reflector layer uses highly reflective materials. This composite approach allows each layer to be manufactured separately with appropriate materials, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing difficulty while achieving effective UV diffusive illumination.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional UV transparent materials are used for diffusive illumination, then UV light transmission is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple functional layers: light guide plate, diffuser layer, and reflector layer. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using cost-effective materials and processes, then assembled together. The diffuser layer can be made from materials with specific optical properties that are cheaper than traditional UV-transparent materials, while the reflector layer uses economical reflective materials. This modular approach reduces overall manufacturing cost while maintaining effective UV light transmission and diffusion.
3Illumination intensity
If traditional UV transparent materials are used for diffusive illumination, then UV light transmission is achieved, but transparency inferiority compared to visible light materials occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Different layers of the composite structure use materials with locally optimized properties for their specific functions. The light guide plate layer uses materials with high UV transmission, the diffuser layer uses materials with specific refractive indices optimized for light scattering at UV wavelengths, and the reflector layer uses materials with high reflectivity in the UV range. This local optimization ensures that each layer performs its function with high transparency/efficiency for UV light, compensating for the inferiority of individual materials compared to visible light materials.
4Ease of manufacture
If multi-layer optical film (CMOF) is used for visible light backlight, then cost efficiency is improved, but UV material transparency and manufacturing challenges remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts the multi-layer optical film concept from visible light applications to UV applications by changing the optical parameters of each layer. The light guide plate, diffuser layer, and reflector layer are designed with specific thicknesses, refractive indices, and optical densities optimized for UV wavelengths. This parameter optimization ensures that the composite structure achieves effective UV light transmission and diffusion, maintaining cost efficiency through the use of standard manufacturing processes while overcoming the transparency limitations of individual UV materials.
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 system effectively emits diffused ultraviolet light for disinfection purposes, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for UV disinfection systems by using fluoropolymer and transparent fluid layers to achieve uniform illumination and high transparency.
Implementation Method 1
Each diffusive element can diffuse the light within forty percent of Lambertian distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A diffusive illuminator is provided. The diffusive illuminator includes a set of light sources and a light guiding structure including a plurality of layers. At least some of the layers can be formed of a fluoropolymer and at least one layer can be formed of a transparent fluid. The light guiding structure also includes an emission surface through which diffused light exits. The light guiding structure can further include diffusive elements associated with at least one of the plurality of layers. Each diffusive element can diffuse the light to within forty percent of Lambertian distribution. The diffusive elements can be arranged based on a desired uniformity of the diffused light at a target distance corresponding to a surface to be illuminated. The diffusive illuminator can emit ultraviolet light, and can be implemented as part of a disinfection system.