Far UV-C Light Apparatus for Safe Pathogen Eradication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UV-C light devices for pathogen eradication often emit wavelengths that are not optimized for maximum effectiveness between 200 nm and 230 nm, which can be harmful to humans and may not fully neutralize pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and yeasts.
Innovation Solution
A Far UV-C light device with a light source emitting a spectrum of 200 nm to 230 nm, specifically optimized at 222±1 nm, utilizing a UV-C lamp or LEDs coupled with a quarter wave transformer to ensure safe and effective pathogen destruction, and incorporating a housing with polished metal surfaces to reflect light effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional UV-C light devices emit wavelengths outside the 200-230 nm range, then pathogen eradication effectiveness is reduced, but human safety is compromised due to harmful exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the UV-C light wavelength to fall within the 200-230 nm range, with optimal performance at 222±1 nm. This specific wavelength parameter optimization enables effective pathogen eradication while minimizing harm to human tissues, as Far UV-C light at this wavelength is absorbed by cellular components of pathogens but less penetrating to human skin and eyes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wavelength filtering mechanism as an intermediary between the UV-C light source and the environment. This filtering system ensures that only light within the safe 200-230 nm range is emitted, acting as a mediator that maintains both pathogen destruction efficacy and human safety by blocking harmful wavelengths outside this range.
2Reliability
If UV-C light wavelength is optimized to 222±1 nm for maximum pathogen destruction, then pathogen neutralization effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to precise wavelength control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves optimized pathogen neutralization by precisely controlling the UV-C light wavelength parameter to 222±1 nm. This parameter optimization is accomplished through selecting appropriate phosphor materials and excitation sources that naturally emit at this wavelength, rather than requiring complex active control systems. The wavelength precision is maintained through material selection and design rather than complex feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-service by utilizing the inherent emission characteristics of Far UV-C light sources that naturally produce light at 222 nm. The system leverages the natural properties of the light source and phosphor materials to achieve the desired wavelength without requiring complex external control mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining wavelength precision.
3Use of energy by moving object
If polished metal surfaces are used to reflect UV-C light, then light reflection efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves UV-C light reflection efficiency by utilizing polished metal surfaces with high reflectivity in the Far UV-C wavelength range. The specific parameter of surface roughness is controlled to achieve optimal reflection, where smoother surfaces provide higher reflectivity. This approach maximizes the utilization of UV-C light within the device and directs it toward target areas for pathogen eradication.
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 device effectively sanitizes surfaces and air by emitting a safe and optimized UV-C light spectrum that efficiently destroys pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and yeasts, while being safe for human exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The Far UV-C light source emits UV-C light having a light wavelength or spectrum of between 200 nm and 230 nm. The optimum UV-C light wavelength is 222±1 nm to effectively destroy or neutralize pathogens including viruses, bacteria and microorganisms.
Implementation Method 2
The housing includes side walls joined to the top wall surrounding the chamber. The inside surfaces of the side walls and top wall are polished metal that function to reflect UV-C light to the desired location.
Data Source
AI summary
A Far UV-C light apparatus has a Far UV-C lamp located within a housing emitting a Far UV-C light having a wavelength of 222±1 nm for destroying pathogens. A quarter wave generator supplies electric energy to the Far UV-C lamp. A handle connected to the housing allows the Far UV-C device to be hand held and moved to a selected location.