Multifaceted Far UV-C Bulb Filtration for Wide-Angle Disinfection

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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 multiple integral band-pass filters, specifically using pure hafnium oxide to block harmful wavelengths beyond 234 nm, ensuring safe and efficient disinfection without exposing humans to hazardous radiation, and incorporating a reflector for enhanced light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a single flat filter is used to block harmful UV wavelengths, then pathogen sterilization is achieved, but the beam angle becomes narrow and light distribution is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharmful UV wavelength blockingVSAvoidbeam angle

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The single flat filter is divided into multiple filter segments arranged in a circular pattern around the UV bulb. Each filter segment blocks harmful wavelengths in a specific directional sector, collectively providing 360-degree coverage while maintaining a wide beam angle through the additive effect of multiple segmented filters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter arrangement transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional circular configuration surrounding the bulb. This spatial reorganization allows light to pass through filters at various angles simultaneously, expanding the effective beam angle while maintaining wavelength blocking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of moving object

If multiple filters are added to widen the beam angle, then light distribution improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam angleVSAvoidfilter configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filters are arranged in a circular pattern around the bulb, utilizing curved geometry to naturally distribute light evenly in all directions. This circular configuration inherently provides wide-angle coverage without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms or precise angular positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

Each filter segment serves multiple functions: blocking harmful wavelengths, defining a sector of the beam angle, and contributing to overall light distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity despite using multiple filters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If standard glass is used for the bulb envelope, then manufacturing is easier, but Far UV-C light cannot penetrate and emission fails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebulb envelope fabricationVSAvoidFar UV-C light emission

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The bulb envelope uses a composite structure combining standard glass with a specialized UV-transmissive coating or inner layer. This composite material maintains the ease of glass manufacturing while enabling Far UV-C light penetration through the engineered material properties of the coating layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The optical parameters of the bulb envelope are modified by applying a thin coating layer with specific transmissive properties. This parameter change allows the envelope to transmit Far UV-C wavelengths while retaining the manufacturing advantages of standard glass substrates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly more efficient and safe UV-C sanitization system that ensures broad disinfection while protecting users from harmful radiation, achieving higher light output and even distribution compared to traditional fixtures, making it suitable for continuous public use.

Implementation Method 1

using pure hafnium oxide to block harmful wavelengths beyond 234 nm

Methodology Applied

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

Implementation Method 2

incorporating a reflector for enhanced light distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

UV-C is recognized as one of the most effective wavelengths at killing the small pathogens because the shorter the wavelength the more powerful it is

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation: Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11752228B2Highly efficient UV C bulb with multifaceted filter

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 LUMENLABS LLC

AI summary

A Far UV C excimer bulb assembly including an excimer bulb, and at least two filters. The excimer bulb emits a path of light in at least two wavelengths. The at least two filters remove all wavelengths of light that are hazardous to human tissue. The at least two filters may each be placed perpendicular to the path of the light generated by the excimer bulb. The at least two filters may be a single, curved or cylindrical filter. The assembly may further include a mirror which may also be curved.