Flexible LED Germicidal Panel with Wavelength Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilization methods in medical settings, such as chemical cleansing and UV light technologies, are either messy, environmentally unfriendly, or pose risks to human tissue, and existing UV LED solutions have low germicidal efficacy and deployment challenges.
Innovation Solution
A portable germicidal mat with LEDs emitting light between 405 nm and 450 nm, embedded in a flexible panel with lenses and a driver circuit, providing a safe, non-chemical, and effective sterilization solution that can be easily deployed and expanded by connecting multiple panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical cleansing methods are used for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is achieved, but the process becomes messy and environmentally unfriendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical cleansing methods with a physical light-based sterilization system using LEDs emitting at 405 nm and 450 nm wavelengths. This substitution eliminates the need for chemical solutions, thereby avoiding environmental harm and mess while maintaining sterilization effectiveness through photobiological action on microorganisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sterilization mechanism from chemical to optical parameters by using specific wavelength LEDs (405 nm and 450 nm). These wavelengths are selected to maximize germicidal effectiveness while minimizing harm to human tissue, thus achieving reliable sterilization without the harmful side effects of chemicals.
2Reliability
If UVC and UVB light are used for sterilization, then germicidal effectiveness is high, but human tissue is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameters from harmful UVC/UVB ranges to safer 405 nm and 450 nm wavelengths. These wavelengths maintain germicidal effectiveness through near-UV photobiological action while being safe for human tissue exposure, thus resolving the contradiction between sterilization effectiveness and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses near-UV and blue light wavelengths as intermediaries that can achieve germicidal effects without the direct tissue damage caused by UVC/UVB. These intermediary wavelengths act as a bridge between effective sterilization and human safety.
3Device complexity
If UV ceiling module with comingled LEDs is used, then device complexity is reduced, but germicidal efficacy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using dedicated LEDs at specific wavelengths (405 nm and 450 nm) positioned to provide focused germicidal action. Rather than comingling different wavelength LEDs that dilute effectiveness, each LED type is optimized for its specific germicidal function, ensuring high efficacy while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
4Ease of operation
If portable germicidal device is needed, then deployment flexibility is improved, but maintaining high germicidal efficacy becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the germicidal function into modular LED panels that can be easily deployed and reconfigured. Each panel contains optimized 405 nm and 450 nm LEDs that maintain high germicidal efficacy independently, allowing flexible deployment in portable applications without sacrificing sterilization effectiveness.
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 achieves high germicidal efficiency, capable of creating a medically clean environment within 5 minutes, while being safe for use around humans and easily portable for temporary medical facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a portable mat with LEDs (light-emitting diodes) for germicidal sterilization
Implementation Method 2
near-UV and blue light exposure was found to sufficiently damage the surface of numerous types of bacteria to render the bacteria inactive
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of lenses embedded in the panel, wherein at least one lens is aligned with at least one LED
Data Source
AI summary
A germicidal device is disclosed. The germicidal device may include a flexible panel that can be rolled up and/or folded. A plurality of LEDs embedded in the panel and a plurality of lenses are embedded in the panel. The panel includes an input connector coupled to the panel that receives input at a first voltage from a power source. The LEDs are coupled to the input connector and provided a second voltage that is suitable for operating the LEDs. The panel also includes one or more output connectors on the panel. The output connectors provide the first voltage as an output voltage from the panel. The panel may be coupled to additional panels with the additional panels receiving the first (output) voltage from the first panel as input voltage to the additional panels.