Frequency-Doubled Light Sanitization for Aircraft Surface Disinfection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional disinfection methods for aircraft cabins are time-consuming, inefficient, and lack effective verification of treatment efficacy, posing risks of pathogen transmission via indirect contact.

Innovation Solution

A sanitization system using frequency doubling to generate Far-UV light by converting a first wavelength (414-474 nm) to a second wavelength (207-237 nm) via a nonlinear crystal, utilizing a low-voltage light source and a sanitization apparatus to actively disinfect surfaces while ensuring safety and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional disinfection procedures are used, then pathogen elimination is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and reduces aircraft operating efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen elimination effectivenessVSAvoidinterval time between flights

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical disinfection methods with a photonic system using frequency-doubled light sources. The system converts infrared light (785-1064 nm) through nonlinear optical crystals to generate UVC wavelengths (207-237 nm) that effectively eliminate pathogens on surfaces, dramatically reducing disinfection time while maintaining effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the wavelength parameter of light through frequency doubling, converting infrared wavelengths to UVC wavelengths. This parameter transformation enables rapid pathogen elimination with exposure times measured in seconds rather than minutes or hours, resolving the time-effectiveness contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional disinfection treatments are applied, then surface sanitization is achieved, but the effectiveness and quality of treatment are difficult to verify

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface sanitization effectivenessVSAvoidtreatment verification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that detect pathogens on surfaces and provide feedback to the controller. The controller monitors treatment progress and verifies disinfection effectiveness in real-time, allowing immediate confirmation that sanitization has been achieved without requiring separate verification procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses optical sensors and detection systems as intermediaries between the disinfection process and verification. These sensors detect pathogen presence and treatment effectiveness, translating biological information into measurable signals that confirm sanitization quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If high-power UVC light sources are used for disinfection, then pathogen elimination is effective, but power consumption and system cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen elimination effectivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses frequency doubling to generate UVC wavelengths from infrared light sources. This parameter transformation allows the use of efficient infrared LEDs or laser diodes instead of traditional high-power UVC lamps, dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining effective pathogen elimination at the converted UVC wavelengths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional high-power UVC lighting systems with a photonic conversion system using infrared light sources and nonlinear optical crystals. This substitution reduces power requirements and system complexity while achieving effective disinfection through the frequency-doubled UVC output

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables safe and efficient disinfection of aircraft surfaces during flights, reducing power consumption and costs, with real-time monitoring and visual indication of sanitization progress.

Implementation Method 1

a nonlinear crystal configured to convert a portion of the light from the light source to a second wavelength between 207 and 237 nm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency doubling: Second Harmonic Generation

Implementation Method 2

The nonlinear crystal may be configured to for second harmonic generation (SHG)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSecond harmonic generation: Second Harmonic Generation

Data Source

PatentEP4115912B1Sanitization systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.08.27 BE AEROSPACE INC

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Figure 3A

AI summary

A sanitization apparatus (113) may comprise a light source (202) configured to emit a light having a first wavelength between 414 and 474 nm; a nonlinear crystal (204) disposed proximal to the light source (202), the nonlinear crystal (204) configured to receive the light having the first wavelength and output a first portion of the light having the first wavelength and a second portion of the light having a second wavelength, the second wavelength being half the first wavelength; and a prism (206) configured to receive the first portion of the light and the second portion of the light, the prism (206) configured to direct the second portion of the light toward a surface to be sanitized.