Multifaceted Far-UVC Bulb Filter for Wide-Angle Sanitization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing UV-C sanitization technologies are inefficient and pose risks to humans due to narrow beam angles and inadequate filtration, leading to potential harm during maintenance or exposure to harmful wavelengths, especially in public areas where broad disinfection is needed.

Innovation Solution

A wide-angle UV-C sanitizing bulb with a multi-spectrum far-UVC light source and integral band pass filters that block wavelengths longer than 234 nm, utilizing multiple filters positioned perpendicularly to the light path for enhanced efficiency and safety, and potentially integrated with traditional lighting fixtures for omnidirectional emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a single flat filter is used to block harmful wavelengths, then pathogen killing efficacy is maintained, but the beam angle becomes narrow and light distribution is uneven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblocking harmful wavelengthsVSAvoidbeam angle

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The single flat filter is segmented into multiple filter facets arranged in a polyhedral structure around the UV-C source. Each facet is oriented to face a different direction, collectively providing 360-degree coverage while maintaining a wide beam angle and even light distribution throughout the sanitization space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter structure transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional polyhedral arrangement. This spatial transformation allows the filter to intercept UV-C light radiating in multiple directions from the source, converting the narrow beam limitation into omnidirectional coverage while preserving wavelength filtering effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If traditional UV-C fixtures are used, then pathogen killing is achieved, but efficiency is low and human exposure to harmful radiation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization efficiencyVSAvoidhuman exposure to harmful radiation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter structure is designed with multiple facets at specific angles and distances from the UV-C source, optimizing the geometry to maximize useful light transmission while blocking harmful wavelengths. This parametric optimization achieves up to ten times more usable light compared to traditional single-filter fixtures, significantly improving sanitization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The multifaceted filter acts as an intermediary between the UV-C source and the surrounding environment. It selectively transmits beneficial far-UVC wavelengths (207-222 nm) that kill pathogens without harming human tissue, while blocking harmful wavelengths, thereby mediating the interaction between UV-C radiation and human exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of moving object

If far-UVC light is transmitted through air or plastic, then light distribution is improved, but the light is absorbed or blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distributionVSAvoidlight absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The filter facets are positioned and oriented in advance to directly face the UV-C source, intercepting light before it can be absorbed by air or plastic materials in the environment. This preliminary positioning ensures that far-UVC light is transmitted through the optimized filter geometry rather than being lost to atmospheric absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution provides a safe, efficient, and affordable UV-C sanitization system that ensures even light distribution and minimizes human exposure to harmful radiation, offering up to ten times more usable light than traditional fixtures while maintaining pathogen killing efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

integral band pass filters that block wavelengths longer than 234 nm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

UV-C is from 100 nm to 280 m, and the wavelengths that are generally being considered safe for exposure to human tissue are from 200 nm to 230 nm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Light

Data Source

PatentUS11925720B2Highly efficient UV C bulb with multifaceted filter

Publication Date: 2024.03.12 MAYHT HLDG BV

AI summary

A Far UV C excimer bulb assembly including an excimer bulb, and a curved filter external to and separated from the excimer bulb. The curved filter being hafnium based and including an arc. The excimer bulb emits radiation in a plurality of wavelengths substantially comprising Far UV C. The curved filter having a cut-off wavelength of 234 nm and adapted to block substantially all wavelengths of UV C radiation longer than 234 nm. The excimer bulb is positioned at least partially and centered within the arc so that the majority of the Far UV C wavelengths of radiation pass perpendicularly through the curved filter. The assembly may further include a mirror which may also be curved, and plated onto the exterior surface of the excimer bulb.