LED Sanitization Wavelength Feedback Control for Safe UV Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitization devices using light emit wavelengths that can shift due to aging or temperature changes, leading to ineffective sanitization and potential health hazards from ultraviolet light exposure.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that uses a light sensor to monitor the emitted wavelengths and adjusts the LEDs' control based on feedback signals to maintain effective sanitization while minimizing power consumption, including detecting wavelength shifts and ambient light contributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light is emitted at specific wavelengths for sanitization, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but wavelength shifts due to aging or temperature changes cause health hazards and reduce sanitization effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where a light sensor continuously monitors the actual wavelengths emitted by the LEDs. The control circuit receives feedback signals from the sensor and dynamically adjusts the LED operation to maintain the correct sanitization wavelengths (400-420nm) while preventing harmful ultraviolet wavelengths. This closed-loop control ensures reliable sanitization effectiveness while eliminating health hazards from wavelength drift.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (current, voltage, or pulse width modulation duty cycle) of the LEDs based on real-time wavelength monitoring. When temperature changes or aging cause wavelength shifts, the control circuit modifies these parameters to compensate and maintain the LEDs operating within the safe and effective 400-420nm range, preventing both sanitization failure and harmful UV exposure.
2Reliability
If feedback control is implemented to maintain correct wavelengths, then sanitization safety and effectiveness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control using a light sensor and control circuit that monitor and adjust LED wavelengths in real-time. The sensor provides feedback signals to the control circuit, which then modifies LED operation parameters to maintain accurate sanitization wavelengths. This feedback mechanism ensures high wavelength accuracy while managing the complexity through integrated circuit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction by automatically detecting wavelength shifts through the light sensor and adjusting its own operation without external intervention. The control circuit autonomously compensates for aging and temperature effects, maintaining wavelength accuracy while minimizing the need for external calibration or complex manual control systems.
3Reliability
If multiple sanitization wavelengths are emitted simultaneously, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed emission of multiple sanitization wavelengths rather than continuous emission. The control circuit activates different LED channels in sequence or uses pulse width modulation to deliver the required sanitization effect with reduced overall power consumption. This periodic action maintains sanitization effectiveness while significantly lowering energy usage compared to continuous multi-wavelength emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control to apply only the necessary amount of light intensity and duration required for effective sanitization, avoiding excessive power consumption. The light sensor monitors the actual light output and adjusts the emission parameters to achieve the minimum effective dose, preventing energy waste from over-illumination while maintaining sanitization reliability.
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
Ensures safe, effective sanitization by maintaining the correct wavelengths and power levels, preventing health risks and optimizing energy use.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, by a circuit, a feedback signal from a light sensor indicating a light intensity received by the light sensor during the light emission
Implementation Method 2
emitting light using first LEDs configured to emit said sanitization wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for sanitization of a surface by emission of a plurality of sanitization wavelengths, and to a device for implementing the method. The method comprises emitting light using first LEDs configured to emit the sanitization wavelengths, receiving, by a circuit, a feedback signal from a light sensor indicating a light intensity received by the light sensor during the light emission, and controlling the first LEDs with the circuit based on the feedback signal.