Disinfection Light Source Positioning for Consistent Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disinfection devices suffer from light loss due to multiple interfaces and varying distances between the light source and the liquid surface, leading to reduced transmittance and inconsistent disinfection light intensity, which complicates the manufacturing and performance of the devices.
Innovation Solution
A disinfection device design featuring a container with a light source positioned in a spaced-apart relationship to maintain a constant distance to the liquid surface, utilizing an index-matching element to minimize refractive index differences and enhance transmittance, and incorporating a diffusing element to ensure uniform light distribution and prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light source is positioned close to the liquid surface to maximize light intensity, then the disinfection effectiveness is improved, but the distance varies with liquid volume leading to inconsistent performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an index-matching element (transparent member) between the light source and liquid to act as an intermediary medium. This element has a refractive index that matches both the light source encapsulant and the liquid, eliminating refraction at interfaces and ensuring consistent light transmission regardless of liquid volume variations, thus maintaining reliable disinfection performance
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces are present between light source and liquid, then the device structure is more flexible, but light transmittance decreases due to reflection and refraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the intermediary medium to match the surrounding media. By selecting a transparent member with appropriate refractive index (between 1.3-1.7), the optical parameters at each interface are optimized to minimize reflection and refraction losses, achieving near-total light transmission while maintaining structural flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The index-matching element serves as an optical intermediary that eliminates interface losses. By positioning this element between the light source and liquid, and between the liquid and container wall, it creates a seamless optical path that maintains high transmittance while allowing independent optimization of each component
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between light source and liquid surface varies with liquid volume, then the device can accommodate different liquid levels, but the light intensity at the liquid surface becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent index-matching element extends from the light source through the liquid to the container wall, maintaining a fixed optical path length. This intermediary structure ensures that the light travels through a consistent distance regardless of liquid volume changes, thereby maintaining consistent light intensity at the liquid surface while accommodating various liquid levels
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
This design maintains consistent disinfection light intensity at the liquid surface, improving the operational efficiency and repeatability of the disinfection process while reducing manufacturing complexity and light loss.
Implementation Method 1
a first index-matching element may be positioned between the light source and the container... the third refractive index being equal to or greater than a smaller one of the first and second refractive indices, the third refractive index being equal to or less than a greater one of the first and second refractive indices
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a diffusing element to ensure uniform light distribution and prevent leakage
Data Source
AI summary
A disinfection device includes: a container having a wall that defines a chamber for containing liquid therein; and a light source for transmitting disinfection light to the liquid. The light source is in a spatial relationship with the container so that a distance between the light source and the first light receiving surface of the liquid remains unchanged regardless of a volume of the liquid.