Integrating Sphere Lighting for Variable Wavelength Emission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lighting fixtures are limited to emitting a fixed range of light wavelengths, requiring multiple fixtures or filters to achieve different wavelengths, which is inefficient and restrictive in applications like dentistry, phototherapy, and other industries where specific wavelengths are needed.

Innovation Solution

A lighting apparatus utilizing an integrating sphere with multiple light sources and a control system allows for user-determined variable light wavelengths, eliminating the need for multiple fixtures by enabling emission of specific spectra through configuration changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light fixtures or filters are used to achieve different light wavelengths, then the range of light wavelengths can be varied, but the device complexity and operational restriction increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight wavelength rangeVSAvoidnumber of fixtures or filters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single light fixture incorporates multiple light sources (incandescent, fluorescent, LED) that can be selectively activated to provide different wavelength ranges. The fixture serves multiple functions by emitting various spectra (full spectrum, blue-enriched, red-enriched, green-enriched, yellow-enriched) without requiring multiple separate fixtures or manual filter changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple light sources with different spectral characteristics are merged into a single fixture housing. The fixture combines incandescent bulbs (broad spectrum), fluorescent tubes (specific wavelength emissions), and LED modules (targeted wavelengths) to create a unified system that can deliver diverse light spectra through selective activation of individual sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If filters are used to remove specific wavelengths, then pre-mature polymerization can be prevented, but the assistant's ability to assist the dentist is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepre-mature polymerizationVSAvoidassistant's mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful blue wavelengths (425-490 nm) are extracted and removed from the light spectrum by selectively activating only non-blue light sources (incandescent, amber LED, red LED) in the fixture. This eliminates the need for physical blue-blocker filters held by the assistant, allowing the assistant to remain mobile and assist the dentist without obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary between the dentist's needs and the light sources, automatically selecting and activating appropriate light sources based on the operational phase (illumination vs. polymerization). This eliminates the need for manual filter insertion/removal by the assistant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single light source is used, then the fixture is simple, but the light wavelength range is fixed and cannot be changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight source configurationVSAvoidlight wavelength variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The light fixture transitions from a static single-source design to a dynamic multi-source system where individual light sources can be independently activated or deactivated. The control system enables real-time reconfiguration of the light spectrum by selectively turning on/off specific light sources based on the required wavelength range, making the system adaptable without increasing physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient and flexible emission of various light spectra without the need for filters or multiple fixtures, improving precision and usability in applications such as dentistry and phototherapy by allowing precise control over light exposure.

Implementation Method 1

an internally reflective enclosure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of light sources, each emitting a different wavelength range of light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

quartz-tungsten-halogen operatory lights that emit a broad pattern of irradiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIncandescence: Incandescence

Data Source

PatentUS7938643B2Use of integrating sphere technology to provide uniform, high-intensity light, and wavelength mixing from light emitting diodes

Publication Date: 2011.05.10 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA RES INST

AI summary

An illumination device including an integrating sphere and at least one light source. The integrating sphere is hollow and houses the at least one light source in it. The light source can be manipulated between a first configuration and a second configuration. The illumination device emits a first spectrum of light when the light source is in the first configuration, and a second spectrum of light when the light source is in the second configuration.