Far-UVC Mosquito Control Using Human-Safe 222 Nm Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pest control methods, particularly for mosquitos, often rely on chemical insecticides that harm non-targeted insects and ecosystems, and UV-based solutions pose health risks to humans.
Innovation Solution
A UV light-emitting device that emits far-UVC light with wavelengths between 200-230 nm, specifically 210-225 nm, to repel, kill, or damage pests like mosquitos by targeting their protein-rich exoskeletons and sensory receptors, using KrCl excimer lamps, HeAg lasers, or AlN FEDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional UV light (UVB/UVC) is used to kill pests, then pest control effectiveness is improved, but human safety deteriorates due to skin aging, cancer risk, and eye irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of UV light from conventional UVB (280-315 nm) and UVC (100-280 nm) ranges to the far-UVC range (200-230 nm), specifically centering around 222 nm. This parameter change allows the light to maintain pest-killing effectiveness while being absorbed by atmospheric gases before reaching human skin, thus eliminating human health risks associated with conventional UV light exposure
2Reliability
If chemical insecticides are used to control pests, then pest mortality is improved, but ecological harm worsens by damaging non-harmful insects, plants, and water ecosystems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical insecticide-based control systems with a physical light-based system (far-UVC radiation). This substitution eliminates the need for chemical substances that harm ecosystems, while maintaining effective pest control through the selective interaction of far-UVC light with pest organisms versus human biology
3Adaptability or versatility
If broad-spectrum UV light is used for pest control, then pest coverage is improved, but selectivity worsens by affecting all insects including beneficial ones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent narrows and shifts the wavelength parameter to the specific far-UVC range (200-230 nm), creating a more selective treatment window. This parameter change exploits the differential absorption characteristics between pest organisms and beneficial insects, achieving both broad pest coverage and selective safety for beneficial species
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 far-UVC light effectively repels and kills mosquitos without harming humans or the environment, providing a pesticide-free and eco-friendly solution.
Implementation Method 1
a UV light-emitting element configured to emit, in response to the control signal, far-UVC light thereby repelling, killing, and/or damaging one or more pests
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pest repelling, killing, and/or damaging UV light-emitting device (100) comprising—a housing (200),—a control element (110) configured to output a control signal (111), and—a UV light-emitting element (115) configured to emit, in response to the control signal (111), far-UVC light (125) thereby repelling, killing, and/or damaging one or more pests, e.g. or in particular mosquitos, irradiated by the emitted far-UVC light (125).