Flexible Light Emitting Layer for Continuous Surface Disinfection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for disinfecting high touch surfaces are inadequate, as they provide intermittent disinfection, require user interaction, can be harmful, or lead to waste, and are not suitable for continuous use due to limitations in technology and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A light emitting device with a flexible light emitting layer and a transparent or translucent layer that emits light in the 380-420 nanometer range, allowing for continuous disinfection of high touch surfaces without the need for user interaction or harmful UV light, and can be shaped to fit various surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional disinfection methods are used, then disinfection can be achieved, but they provide only intermittent disinfection and require user interaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection consistencyVSAvoiduser interaction requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The high touch surface is equipped with a light emitting layer that automatically emits disinfecting light when touched, eliminating the need for user interaction to initiate disinfection. The surface disinfects itself through the light emitting layer's automatic activation upon contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The light emitting layer provides continuous disinfection capability, transforming intermittent disinfection into a continuous process. The surface maintains disinfection function throughout the day through sustained light emission upon activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If UV light is used for disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but safety concerns arise for human contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection effectivenessVSAvoidhuman safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the light wavelength parameter from traditional UV range to the visible light range of 380-420 nanometers. This parameter change maintains disinfection effectiveness while eliminating the harmful effects of UV radiation on human skin and eyes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful UV light into beneficial visible light in the 380-420 nm range. This transformation retains the antimicrobial properties while removing the harmful effects, turning a harmful factor into a safe and effective disinfection method

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible light emitting layer is used, then adaptability to various surfaces is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible light emitting layer that can conform to various surface shapes and sizes. This flexible film technology enables the disinfection surface to be adapted to different applications including handles, rails, and other high touch surfaces without requiring complex rigid structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible light emitting layer serves multiple functions: it provides structural adaptability to various surfaces, maintains mechanical flexibility for different geometries, and delivers consistent light emission for disinfection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device effectively reduces microorganisms on surfaces, providing continuous disinfection while being safe for human contact and not degrading materials, thus creating a safer environment by consistently reducing bacteria, yeasts, and fungi on high touch surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible light emitting layer, which may emanate through a transparent or translucent layer, a portion of which may exit at or around a wavelength in a range of 380 to 420 nanometers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a light emitting device inactivates microorganisms via light from a light emitting layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotochemical inactivation: Photo-oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS11426474B2Devices using flexible light emitting layer for creating disinfecting illuminated surface, and related methods

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 VYV INC

AI summary

A light emitting device which inactivates microorganisms is disclosed. The light emitting device may include a flexible light emitting layer emitting a light; and a transparent or translucent layer over the flexible light emitting layer. The light may travel through and exit an exterior surface of the transparent or translucent layer, creating an exiting light. The exiting light exiting the transparent or translucent layer may have at least a portion thereof having a wavelength in a range of 380 to 420 nanometers, and may disinfect the exterior surface of the transparent or translucent layer. The light emitting device may be used alone to create a self-disinfecting high touch surface, e.g., on a door, or may be shaped to mate with other structure to create a disinfecting high touch surface.