Nanostructure UV Light Emitting Device for Skin Tanning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current indoor-tanning methods using UV light sources have inefficiencies in controlling the quality and quantity of UV exposure, leading to health risks and suboptimal tanning results, as they often emit UVB and UVC radiation, which are not effective for tanning and can cause skin damage.

Innovation Solution

A nanostructure UV light emitting device that emits UVA light with a narrow wavelength distribution, using nanoparticles or nanowires to selectively produce UVA light, reducing or eliminating UVB and UVC radiation, and allowing for controlled UV exposure through a chamber adapted for skin tanning and phototherapy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional UV light sources are used for indoor tanning, then tanning service is provided, but harmful UVB and UVC radiation is emitted causing skin damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin damage from UVB and UVC radiationVSAvoidtanning effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using multiple phosphor layers with different emission characteristics (short-wave UVA, medium-wave UVA, long-wave UVA) arranged in specific sequences. Each phosphor layer targets a specific wavelength range to optimize tanning effectiveness while eliminating harmful UVB and UVC radiation. The localized emission properties of each phosphor material create a customized spectral distribution that addresses the contradiction between tanning effectiveness and skin safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple phosphor substances (such as aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, barium magnesium aluminate) in layered structures. Each phosphor material has distinct optical properties that, when combined, create a composite emission spectrum optimized for safe tanning. The composite phosphor system converts broad-spectrum UV input into a controlled UVA-only output, resolving the contradiction by synthesizing a material system with desired spectral characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If UVB light is used for tanning, then second layer of skin is tanned, but shedding cycle is reduced to 5-8 days and skin lines become more visible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshedding cycle durationVSAvoidvisibility of skin lines and wrinkles

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically adjusting the spectral parameters of the UV light source. By controlling the phosphor composition and layer structure, the emission spectrum is modified to exclude UVB wavelengths (280-315 nm) and UVC wavelengths (100-280 nm), while maintaining UVA wavelengths (315-400 nm). This parameter adjustment changes the biological effect on skin layers, targeting the third layer for tanning without accelerating the shedding cycle or increasing wrinkle visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If broad-spectrum UV light is used, then all UV ranges are emitted, but control over wavelength quality is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength distribution controlVSAvoidphosphor layer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the phosphor emission spectrum into distinct wavelength bands (short-wave UVA, medium-wave UVA, long-wave UVA) using separate phosphor layers. Each layer is responsible for emitting a specific portion of the UVA spectrum, allowing independent optimization of each band's characteristics. This segmented approach provides precise control over the overall wavelength distribution while maintaining a manageable layered structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the phosphor layer configuration adjustable and adaptable. The layered phosphor structure can be modified by changing the composition, thickness, or sequence of layers to optimize emission for different tanning requirements. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt its spectral output while maintaining structural organization, balancing control precision with device 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

The solution provides a safer and more effective tanning method by controlling the peak wavelength of UV light, reducing exposure to harmful UVB and UVC, and extending the skin tanning cycle, while maintaining health benefits associated with moderate UV exposure.

Implementation Method 1

A nanostructure UV light emitting device that emits UVA light with a narrow wavelength distribution, using nanoparticles or nanowires to selectively produce UVA light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from nanostructures: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

using nanoparticles or nanowires to selectively produce UVA light, reducing or eliminating UVB and UVC radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelective wavelength emission: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS7819910B2Skin tanning and light therapy system

Publication Date: 2010.10.26 LEDEEP

AI summary

A system and method for at least one of skin tanning and phototherapy are provided. The system includes a chamber adapted for at least one of skin tanning and phototherapy and a nanostructure UV light emitting device.