Far-UVC LED Lamp with Feedback Loop for Safe Continuous Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UV lamps that combine UV and visible light for sanitization are not safe for mammals, as traditional UV-C wavelengths can be harmful, and existing systems require manual control to ensure safety, limiting their use in environments with mammals present.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state lamp that simultaneously emits safe UV-C light and visible light, with a backup power supply and feedback loop to maintain UV intensity, using far-UVC LEDs (222 nm) that are safe for mammals and can be used continuously, and includes circuitry to adjust light intensity and duration for effective hygiene levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional UV-C lamps are used for sanitization, then germicidal effectiveness is improved, but safety for mammals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the UV-C wavelength parameter from traditional 254 nm to 222 nm (far-UVC), which fundamentally alters the interaction with biological tissues. This parameter change maintains germicidal effectiveness while eliminating harmful effects on mammals, as 222 nm UV-C is absorbed by the outer layer of skin and does not penetrate to living tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful UV-C radiation into a beneficial far-UVC wavelength that is safe for mammals. By shifting to 222 nm, the radiation that was once considered dangerous becomes acceptable for continuous operation in occupied spaces, transforming a harmful factor into a safe sanitization tool.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual control systems are implemented to ensure safety, then safety for mammals is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp system performs self-service by automatically detecting the presence of mammals through motion sensors and automatically adjusting its operation accordingly. When mammals are detected, the system autonomously switches to safe lighting modes or disables UV-C emission, eliminating the need for manual user intervention while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms using motion sensors and other detection systems that continuously monitor the environment. This feedback loop automatically adjusts the lamp's operation based on real-time conditions, ensuring safety without requiring manual control from users.
3Productivity
If far-UVC LEDs are used continuously, then productivity of sanitization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated lamp device by combining far-UVC LEDs for sanitization, visible LEDs for illumination, and motion sensing capabilities in one unit. This consolidation enables continuous sanitization operation while managing complexity through integrated design rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lamp device achieves multi-functionality by simultaneously providing sanitization (far-UVC), illumination (visible light), and environmental monitoring (motion sensing). This universal design allows the single device to perform multiple tasks, improving productivity while distributing complexity across integrated components rather than requiring separate systems.
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 lamp provides continuous and safe UV-C light for sanitization without harming mammals, ensuring effective hygiene levels through adjustable intensity and duration, and can be used in conventional lighting fixtures, enhancing environmental sanitation.
Implementation Method 1
a second plurality of solid-state emitters that emit light at a safe ultraviolet wavelength
Implementation Method 2
A photodetector may be provided to detect the intensity of light output by the second plurality of solid-state emitters and to output detected intensity to the circuitry
Implementation Method 3
A reflective surface of the light bulb may be provided to direct and focus the light output of the second plurality of solid-state emitters onto the UV detector
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state lamp includes a first plurality of solid-state emitters that emit light at visible wavelengths and a second plurality of solid-state emitters that emit light at a safe ultraviolet wavelength, wherein the second plurality of solid-state emitters emit light at least when the first plurality of solid-state emitters emit light.