Electric Light Radiant Energy Control for Safe Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfecting light systems, such as UV systems, require extensive safety measures and are not feasible for continuous use due to the risk of accidental exposure, while white disinfecting light sources lack effective control systems to maintain optimal disinfection and illumination levels based on environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A control system for disinfecting LED lighting that adjusts disinfecting energy and illuminating light levels in response to sensed bacterial load, environmental characteristics, and operational thresholds using sensors and a controller to ensure effective disinfection and illumination without safety hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light systems are used for disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but safety risks increase due to accidental exposure hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light source from ultraviolet (harmful) to visible blue light (safe), maintaining disinfection effectiveness while eliminating safety risks. The system uses blue light LEDs emitting at approximately 405-470nm, which are perceived as white or blue-white light, to achieve disinfection without the harmful effects of UV radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs LED technology which has a long operational life and does not require the extensive safety infrastructure needed for UV systems. The solid-state LED components are durable, energy-efficient, and eliminate the need for complex safety interlocks, emergency shutdown systems, and occupied sensor networks required by UV systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UV light systems are implemented with extensive safety measures, then safety risks are reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple blue light LED fixtures that inherently eliminate safety hazards, requiring no complex safety infrastructure. The system replaces expensive UV systems with emergency shutdown switches, occupied sensors, remote-controlled robots, and lockable rooms with simple, safe blue light LEDs that can operate continuously without special safety measures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If blue light is used for disinfection, then safety is improved by eliminating UV hazards, but control precision deteriorates without effective control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control systems that use sensors to detect environmental conditions (occupancy, natural light levels, air quality) and automatically adjust blue light LED output accordingly. The controller receives sensor inputs and modulates LED intensity to maintain optimal disinfection while responding to environmental changes, enabling precise automated control of the disinfection process.
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 provides continuous, safe, and efficient disinfection and illumination by dynamically adjusting light output based on real-time environmental data, ensuring optimal disinfection and illumination levels without the need for extensive safety measures.
Implementation Method 1
disinfecting light emitting diode (LED) lighting system
Implementation Method 2
using blue light in combination with other light to emit what is perceived as white light
Implementation Method 3
tuned for luminous efficacy of radiation, these lighting fixtures and devices are tuned to provide increased outputs of certain regions of radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Radiant energy control systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided. An example disinfecting LED lighting system nay include at least one light fixture disposed in or on a ceiling in an environment and configured to output a first light and a second light in which the first light and the second light are emitted from independent sources and operate independently, at least one sensor in communication with the at least one light fixture and configured to detect a characteristic of the environment, and a controller in communication with the at least one sensor and the at least one light fixture and configured to cause an event; wherein the event comprises an adjustment of the first light and/or an adjustment of the second light.