Far UV-C Disinfection via Excimer Lamp Wavelength Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfection solutions using ultraviolet (UV) light are costly, time-consuming, and have limited efficacy due to safety concerns related to mutagenic and carcinogenic effects, requiring shielding and limiting their utility.
Innovation Solution
The development of improved disinfection systems and methods that emit a narrow spectrum of far UV light, specifically within the range of 200 nanometers to 280 nanometers, allowing for effective disinfection without the need for shielding, as exposure to UV light within this range does not result in mutagenic or carcinogenic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional UV light (240-280nm) is used for disinfection, then germicidal efficacy is improved, but safety concerns increase due to mutagenic and carcinogenic effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of UV light from conventional 240-280nm to a narrower 200-230nm range, specifically targeting far UV-C wavelengths that provide effective disinfection while avoiding the harmful effects associated with longer wavelengths. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by selecting a specific subset of UV wavelengths that achieve germicidal efficacy without the mutagenic and carcinogenic side effects.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UV light shielding is implemented to protect from harmful radiation, then safety is improved, but device complexity and utility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful component (wavelengths above 230nm) from the UV spectrum and eliminates it from the disinfection system. By using only far UV-C wavelengths (200-230nm), the invention removes the need for shielding while maintaining safety, thus reducing device complexity and improving utility in environments where shielding would be required.
3Reliability
If mercury-vapor lamps or specialty LEDs are used to produce UV radiation, then disinfection capability is improved, but cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs excimer lamps with replaceable tubes that can be easily replaced when depleted, avoiding the need for expensive mercury-vapor lamps and their associated maintenance requirements. The excimer lamp technology provides the necessary far UV-C radiation while being more cost-effective and simpler to maintain, resolving the contradiction between disinfection capability and ease of manufacture.
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
These systems achieve at least a 90% kill of microorganisms on surfaces, providing an efficient and safe method for disinfection, while minimizing exposure risks to humans and animals.
Implementation Method 1
An excimer lamp is a type of ultraviolet light source that emits far ultraviolet light through excimer discharge
Implementation Method 2
an optical diffuser that converts the excimer discharge to diffuse illumination, reducing hot spots and improving uniformity
Implementation Method 3
These systems achieve at least a 90% kill of microorganisms on surfaces, providing an efficient and safe method for disinfection
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide improved devices, systems, and methods of disinfection that use ultraviolet light, specifically, far UV-C light, to kill or deactivate microbes or allergens that are present on various types of surfaces and/or in the air.