Germicidal Lamp Reflector Arrangement for Shadow Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfection systems lack effective configurations to improve the propagation of ultraviolet (UV) and high-intensity narrow-spectrum (HINS) light for efficient disinfection of surfaces and areas, leading to reduced efficacy in deactivating and killing microorganisms.
Innovation Solution
The use of a support structure with vertically spaced bases and elongated germicidal lamps at acute, obtuse, or right angles, combined with a reflector system featuring slanted peripheral edges and contoured sections to manipulate light directionality, allowing for adjustable positioning of lamps and reflectors to enhance light distribution and coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional UV lamp configurations are used, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the propagation of germicidal light is limited and shadowing effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is divided into multiple sections (first reflector section, second reflector section, third reflector section) with different orientations and functions. Each section directs light to specific areas, allowing complex light distribution patterns while using modular, manageable components rather than a single complex reflector structure
Solution Approach 2:
The lamps are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration with vertical spacing between upper and lower bases, and reflectors positioned at different heights and angles. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows light to propagate in multiple directions simultaneously, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-plane configurations and reducing shadowing effects
2Area of stationary object
If multiple germicidal lamps are used, then disinfection coverage is improved, but shadowing effects increase and reduce efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The reflectors are positioned asymmetrically relative to the lamps, with different distances and angles for each reflector-lamp pair. The first reflector is positioned at a different location than the second and third reflectors, creating asymmetric light distribution patterns that ensure comprehensive coverage while minimizing overlapping shadows in any single area
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging lamps vertically between upper and lower bases and positioning reflectors at different heights and angular orientations, the system distributes light across three-dimensional space. This multi-directional approach ensures that multiple lamps work synergistically rather than creating overlapping shadow zones, maintaining high disinfection efficacy across the entire coverage area
3Illumination intensity
If fixed lamp positions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but light distribution to high-touch areas is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the reflectors to be rotated and repositioned to different angular orientations and locations. This dynamic capability enables the light distribution pattern to be optimized for different disinfection scenarios and target areas, including high-touch surfaces, without requiring a completely different device configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable reflector positioning system provides multi-functionality, allowing the same apparatus to effectively disinfect various types of areas (surfaces, corners, high-touch areas) by simply repositioning the reflectors. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices for different disinfection scenarios
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
This configuration improves the propagation and distribution of germicidal light, increasing disinfection efficiency by reducing shadowing effects and directing light to high-touch areas, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of UV and HINS light in disinfecting surfaces and environments.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector adjacent the plurality of germicidal lamps, wherein the reflector comprises multiple sections each contoured to manipulate directionality of light emitted from a subset of the plurality of germicidal lamps
Implementation Method 2
the reflector comprises multiple sections each contoured to manipulate directionality of light emitted from a subset of the plurality of germicidal lamps
Data Source
AI summary
Germicidal lamp apparatuses are provided with lamps disposed between upper and lower bases of a support structure. In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis of a lamp is at an acute angle greater than 0° relative to a region of the lower base between the lamp and another lamp. In addition, the longitudinal axis of the other lamp is at either a right angle or an obtuse angle relative to said region. Other embodiments of apparatuses include a reflector system disposed between the upper and lower bases which is common to the lamps and which includes a reflector with slanted peripheral edge. Other germicidal lamp apparatuses are provided which include a reflector with multiple sections each contoured to manipulate directionality of light emitted from a subset of lamps. In such cases, the apparatuses are configured to move the reflector and/or collectively move the lamps during illumination of the lamps.