Narrow-Band UV Light System for Selective Microorganism Neutralization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing UV light radiation systems for neutralizing microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, pose health risks due to their interaction with human DNA and RNA, and require long exposure times, while alternative systems using lasers and photo-sensitizers are difficult to implement.

Innovation Solution

A system emitting UV light radiation with a narrow wavelength band, preferably between 1nm and 3nm, is used to induce optical resonance in microorganisms, ensuring the radiation is harmful only to the microorganisms and not human tissues, utilizing LED light sources or lasers with optical devices and filters to focus and select specific wavelengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If UV light radiation is used to neutralize microorganisms, then the germicidal action is effective, but the radiation interacts with human DNA and RNA causing harmful effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegermicidal action effectivenessVSAvoidharmful interaction with human DNA and RNA
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using a specific narrow wavelength band (207-213 nm) that is selectively absorbed by microorganisms to induce optical resonance and neutralization, while this same wavelength band does not interact with human DNA and RNA. This creates a localized effect that is harmful only to the target microorganisms and safe for human tissues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of wavelength selection from broad UV spectrum to a narrow band (207-213 nm) that specifically induces optical resonance in microorganisms. This parameter change allows selective neutralization of microorganisms while avoiding interaction with human biological molecules, thereby resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If UV light radiation is used to neutralize microorganisms, then the germicidal action is effective, but the exposure time required is sufficiently long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegermicidal action effectivenessVSAvoidexposure time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic pulsed light radiation rather than continuous illumination. The system delivers high-intensity light pulses at specific intervals, which induces optical resonance in microorganisms during each pulse. This periodic action achieves effective neutralization in much shorter total exposure time compared to conventional continuous UV irradiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous useful action by using overlapping pulses that ensure continuous exposure of microorganisms to the neutralizing wavelength band. The pulsed delivery method with appropriate timing ensures that the germicidal action remains effective and continuous while minimizing total exposure time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If lasers and photo-sensitizers are used to generate light radiation for neutralizing microorganisms, then the neutralization effect is achieved, but the system becomes difficult to implement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicroorganism neutralization effectVSAvoidsystem implementation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for photo-sensitizers and complex laser systems by using a LED light source that directly emits the required narrow wavelength band (207-213 nm). This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the system while maintaining the optical resonance neutralization effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive and complex laser systems with relatively simple and cost-effective LED light sources that can be mass-produced. The LED-based system is more economical and easier to manufacture while achieving the same germicidal effect through direct emission of the resonant wavelength band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 system effectively neutralizes microorganisms without damaging human tissues, offering a safer and more efficient method for sterilization and sanitization across various environments and objects.

Implementation Method 1

the light radiation emitted by said light source has a wavelength within said selected wavelength range, so that, when the system is in use, said light radiation induces an optical resonance in the microorganism, causing a denaturation of the genetic patrimony of said microorganism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

said light source (1), said light source being a UV lamp or a LED light source or a laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 3

utilizing LED light sources or lasers with optical devices and filters to focus and select specific wavelengths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentEP4355378B1System for generating light radiation to neutralize microorganisms
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 LEONARDO SPA
  • EP4355378B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2c
  • EP4355378B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4355378B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system for generating light radiation to neutralize microorganisms. Said system comprises a light source (1 ) for emitting a light radiation, storage means (2) with one or more unique identification codes, each of which is associated with a respective microorganism, and at least one respective wavelength range associated with said microorganism, and a logic control unit (3). Said logic control unit (3) is configured to: o select a wavelength range based on the microorganism to be neutralized, o activate said light source (1) in such a way that the light radiation emitted by said light source (1) has a wavelength within said selected wavelength range, so that, when the system is in use, said light radiation induces an optical resonance in the microorganism, causing a denaturation of the genetic patrimony of said microorganism.