Light Source Identification Unit for Irradiation Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for irradiating living beings with light sources, such as those used in tanning salons, face challenges in ensuring that only suitable light sources are used to avoid damage to humans or the device, and there is a need for a simple and inexpensive method to identify and manage light source suitability.

Innovation Solution

An irradiation device equipped with a light source identification unit and a reflective frame that includes a detection field for communication with the light source, ensuring proper installation and operation by uniquely identifying each light source and preventing incorrect use, with features like RFID transponders and thermally stable materials for reliable communication and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If light sources are used in irradiation devices without identification systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of using only suitable light sources deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight source suitabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light source contains an integrated identification unit that automatically identifies itself when inserted into the holder. The communication device automatically detects this identification unit and determines suitability, eliminating the need for manual verification and reducing operational complexity while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The identification unit is pre-positioned on the light source before installation. When the light source is inserted into the holder, the identification unit is already in place within the detection field, allowing automatic verification of suitability before the irradiation process begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If measurement devices are used to determine luminous intensity, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring human resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminous intensityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The light source automatically provides its identification information through the identification unit when inserted into the holder. The communication device automatically reads and evaluates this information, eliminating the need for manual measurement and human intervention while maintaining precise verification of light source characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual measurement process is replaced by an automatic electromagnetic communication system. The communication device uses electromagnetic fields to detect and read the identification unit on the light source, substituting mechanical human operation with automated electronic detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If light sources without identification units are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to prevent incorrect installation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidprevention of incorrect installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The light source self-identifies through the integrated identification unit, automatically providing information about its suitability. The communication device reads this information and determines whether the light source is appropriate for the specific irradiation application, preventing incorrect installation without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If no automatic identification system is implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to manual verification requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light source automatically provides identification information through the identification unit when inserted into the holder. The communication device automatically detects and evaluates this information, enabling rapid verification of light source suitability without manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The identification unit is pre-positioned on the light source during manufacturing. When the light source is inserted into the holder, the identification is already available for immediate automatic detection, enabling rapid verification and reducing the time required for light source validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution ensures safe and efficient operation of suitable light sources by preventing incorrect installation and maintaining consistent irradiation intensity, adhering to regulatory requirements and ensuring the authenticity and operational lifespan of light sources, thus enhancing safety and compliance.

Implementation Method 1

A defined or predetermined region provides a detection field for a communication device. The identification unit can be positioned on at least one light source in such a way that the identification unit is located within the detection field due to the form-fitting insertion into the light source holder.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20230040551A1Irradiation apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.02.09 JK HLDG
  • US20230040551A1 patent drawing
  • US20230040551A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an irradiation apparatus for irradiating an irradiation object with light, comprising at least one light source with an identification unit that contains light source-specific information; a frame, more particularly a reflective frame, at least one light source holder on which the at least one light source is arranged by form-fitting insertion in the light source holder; and a region which provides a detection field of a communications device; the identification unit being positioned on the at least one light source such that the identification unit, by form-fitting insertion in the light source holder, is within the detection field.