Liquid-Filled Light Distributor for UV Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV light sources for disinfecting lumens in medical devices are inefficient due to limited emission angle and area, requiring rotation and posing safety risks with electrical wiring, especially in wet or damp conditions.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-filled light distributor with a tubular body that emits light radially along its length, using a refractive index ratio between the fluid and tube wall to ensure light propagation and emission, eliminating the need for electrical wiring and allowing safe, practical, and cost-effective disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If point source UV diodes are used for disinfection, then the light source can be compact and electrically powered, but the emission angle and area are limited requiring rotation to disinfect entire surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light emission function into multiple segments by placing several UV diodes at different positions and orientations along the elongated body, allowing each diode to cover a specific sector while collectively providing comprehensive 360-degree coverage without rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point light source to a distributed linear array of light sources along an elongated body, adding spatial dimensionality to achieve broader coverage area and eliminate the need for rotational movement
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrical wiring is used to power UV light sources inside narrow cavities, then the light source can be powered, but safety risks arise in wet or damp conditions and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the electrical power transmission system with an optical energy transmission system, using light guides to deliver energy from external UV diodes to the internal light distribution points, thereby eliminating electrical wiring from wet environments
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces light guides as an intermediary medium to transfer energy from the external power source to the internal disinfection points, acting as a safe bridge that eliminates direct electrical contact with wet or damp environments
3Device complexity
If UV light is emitted from a single point source, then the device structure can be simple, but the light distribution is not homogeneous around the circumference
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the light source into multiple UV diodes positioned at different locations and angles along the elongated body, with each diode contributing to a specific sector of circumferential coverage, achieving homogeneous 360-degree light distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple discrete light sources into a unified elongated disinfection system, where the combined output of several UV diodes through light guides creates a homogeneous circumferential light field that maintains structural simplicity
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 liquid-filled light distributor provides continuous, homogeneous UV light emission along the length of the tubular body, ensuring effective disinfection without electrical hazards, suitable for medical devices and environments, and can be used in narrow passages and wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the refractive index of the tube wall is n2 and the refractive index of the fluid is n1 and n2/n1<1
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to liquid filled light distributor comprising an elongated tubular body with a tube wall defining an in inner lumen filled with a liquid, said tubular body havinga proximal end closed by first closing meansa distal end closed by second closing meansWherein the proximal end is arranged to be in optical communication with a light source and wherein the refractive index of the tube wall is n1 and the refractive index of the fluid is n2 and n1/n2<1 so that light from the light source travels along the longitudinal direction of the tubular body and that a part of the light is emitted through the tube wall along at least a part of the tubular body. Further a method of use for the liquid filled light distributor is provided.