Dual-Reflector Lighting Design for UV-C Beam Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV disinfection systems face inefficiencies due to the use of cheap materials that absorb UV-C radiation, leading to reduced efficiency and potential safety hazards, particularly in environments with high human presence.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device utilizing a dual-reflector configuration with a first and second reflector, each having specific reflective surfaces, to control beam shapes and distributions of UV germicidal radiation, employing optical elements like fused silica and sapphire to enhance efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cheap materials (e.g. plastic) are used for optical elements, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but UV germicidal radiation efficiency decreases due to absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from cheap plastic to expensive UV-transparent materials like fused silica and sapphire, which have fundamentally different optical properties for UV-C radiation. This material substitution eliminates absorption losses and achieves both high efficiency and acceptable cost through optimized material selection.
2Reliability
If UV-C radiation is used for disinfection, then germicidal efficacy is improved, but safety risks increase due to damage to living tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different materials for different functional zones: fused silica or sapphire for UV-transparent optical paths where high efficacy is needed, and potentially different materials for housing and components where UV exposure should be minimized for safety. This spatial differentiation of material properties simultaneously achieves efficacy and safety.
3Loss of energy
If fused silica or sapphire are used for optical elements, then UV radiation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical elements serve multiple functions: fused silica or sapphire components act as both protective enclosures and optical transmission elements. This multi-functionality reduces the total amount of expensive material needed and simplifies the overall device architecture, making the high-efficiency solution more cost-effective.
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 dual-reflector system effectively controls beam shapes and distributions, enhancing UV disinfection efficacy while minimizing safety risks by using efficient and safe optical materials, allowing precise disinfection in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
The first section surface comprises a light reflective surface configured to reflect at least a part of the light output away from the light source, towards the first reflective surface of the first reflector
Implementation Method 2
The second reflective surface is configured in a second plane that is perpendicular to the center axis, and each section of the plurality of sections has a first angle enclosed by the first section surface and the second plane
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention generally relates to the field of lighting devices, and in particular to a lighting device that is suitable for providing disinfection of an area and/or surrounding environment. The lighting device (100) according to the present invention comprises a light source (101), a first reflector (102), and a second reflector (103). The light source (101) is configured to provide, in operation a light output (111). The first reflector (102) comprising a first reflective surface (121), and the second reflector (103) comprising a second reflective surface (131). The first reflective surface (121) is configured to face the second reflective surface (122). The light source (101) is configured to emit the light output (111) towards the second reflective surface (131). The second reflective surface (131) comprises a plurality of sections (133), each section (133) comprising a first section surface (134) that faces away from a center axis (001) of the light source (101) and a second section surface (135) that faces towards the center axis (001). The first section surface (134) comprises a light reflective surface.