LED Module Integrating UV-B Emission for Vitamin D Synthesis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Insufficient exposure to UV-B radiation during winter months and indoor lifestyles lead to reduced vitamin D production in humans, as natural sunlight does not provide sufficient UV-B radiation, and traditional lighting solutions do not effectively enhance vitamin D production without altering habits or using dedicated therapies.
Innovation Solution
An LED-module and lighting system that combines white light LEDs with dedicated UV-B emitting LEDs, utilizing an optical diffuser to ensure even distribution of UV-B radiation, thereby increasing skin exposure to the necessary wavelength range for vitamin D production without exceeding safety thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If natural sunlight is used for illumination, then white light is provided for illumination, but UV-B radiation is insufficient especially during wintertime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines white light LEDs and UV-B LEDs into a single LED module, allowing both illumination and UV-B radiation to be provided simultaneously. This merging resolves the contradiction by integrating two previously separate functions into one device, enabling sufficient UV-B exposure without requiring separate dedicated therapy equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED module is designed to perform multiple functions: providing white light illumination and emitting UV-B radiation for vitamin D production. This multi-functionality allows the same device to serve both as an illumination source and a UV-B therapy source, eliminating the need for separate dedicated UV-B therapy equipment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dedicated narrowband light sources for UV-B therapy are used, then UV-B radiation is provided for vitamin D production, but the lighting system becomes complex and requires dedicated therapy application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges UV-B LED technology with standard white light LED technology into a single integrated module. This combination simplifies the overall lighting system by eliminating the need for separate dedicated UV-B therapy equipment, while still providing effective UV-B radiation for vitamin D production.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED module serves dual purposes: general illumination and UV-B therapy. This universality allows the lighting system to be used in everyday environments without requiring separate dedicated therapy application, reducing system complexity while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
3Productivity
If UV-B radiation is increased to enhance vitamin D production, then vitamin D production is improved, but health risks from excessive UV-B exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the parameters of UV-B radiation by selecting specific LED wavelengths and intensities. The UV-B LEDs are designed to emit at specific wavelengths (e.g., 310-320 nm) that are effective for vitamin D production while maintaining safety. The intensity and duration of exposure are parameters that can be adjusted to optimize vitamin D synthesis while staying within safe limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED module acts as an intermediary device that delivers controlled UV-B radiation. By using LED technology with specific wavelength characteristics, the system provides UV-B radiation in a controlled manner that enhances vitamin D production while minimizing harmful effects. The LED's ability to emit narrowband UV-B allows precise control over the radiation spectrum.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If people spend more time indoors to avoid skin cancer risk, then skin cancer risk is reduced, but vitamin D production decreases due to reduced sunlight exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The LED module enables indoor environments to provide their own UV-B radiation for vitamin D production. By incorporating UV-B LEDs directly into the lighting system, the environment itself becomes a source of vitamin D synthesis radiation, eliminating the need for people to leave indoors to get UV-B exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED module serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between indoor protection and outdoor vitamin D synthesis. It allows people to remain indoors for skin cancer protection while still receiving sufficient UV-B radiation for vitamin D production through the integrated LED lighting 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
Enhances vitamin D production in humans by increasing skin exposure to UV-B radiation, improving health outcomes without the need for dietary supplements or habit changes, while minimizing health risks through controlled UV-B radiation levels.
Implementation Method 1
the LED-module comprises at least one second type LED which emits dedicated UV-B radiation
Implementation Method 2
emits UV-B radiation that is dedicated for increasing vitamin D production
Implementation Method 3
utilizing an optical diffuser to ensure even distribution of UV-B radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An LED-module (13) and a lighting system (10) comprising such an LED-module (13) wherein the LED-module (13) comprises at least one first type LED (14) emitting radiation suitable for generating white light, and at least one second type LED (15) emitting UV-B radiation, wherein the LED-module (13) is configured to emit white light and UV-B radiation in addition for improving vitamin D production in the human skin exposed to the UV-B radiation.