Phosphor Coating Converts Visible Light to UVC for Safe Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UV-C technology for sterilization, while effective, is costly and poses safety risks due to direct or reflected radiation, necessitating a more economical and safer method for germicidal effects.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating organic or inorganic phosphors into various media that convert visible or infrared light to germicidal UVC radiation or shorter wavelengths, such as x-rays or gamma-rays, allowing for localized sterilization without the dangers associated with direct UV radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional germicidal lamps emitting UVC radiation are used for sterilization, then effective pathogen inactivation is achieved, but safety risks increase due to direct or reflected germicidal radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a phosphor material as an intermediary substance that absorbs visible light and converts it to UVC radiation. This mediator enables indirect UVC generation, eliminating the need for direct UVC sources while maintaining sterilization effectiveness. The phosphor layer converts safe visible light into germicidal UVC radiation locally, solving the safety issue while preserving the desired disinfection function.
2Reliability
If traditional germicidal lamps are used for sterilization, then effective pathogen inactivation is achieved, but costs increase due to lamp expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of radiation source from direct UVC emission to visible light absorption followed by UVC conversion via phosphors. This parameter change allows the use of inexpensive visible light sources (such as LEDs or standard lamps) combined with phosphor materials, replacing costly specialized UVC lamps while maintaining sterilization effectiveness through the phosphor conversion mechanism.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If phosphors with finite emission time are used, then traditional phosphorescence is achieved, but indefinite glow time required for continuous sterilization is not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phosphors with indefinite glow time that continue to emit UVC radiation as long as they are exposed to visible light. This continuous emission capability ensures uninterrupted sterilization action, eliminating the limitation of traditional phosphors with finite emission times. The useful action of pathogen inactivation continues indefinitely只要有可见光供应，实现持续灭菌功能。
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
This approach provides a safer and more economical means of sterilization by ensuring that germicidal radiation only impacts the treated area, effectively deactivating pathogens while minimizing exposure risks and costs.
Implementation Method 1
A phosphor is a substance that exhibits the phenomenon of phosphorescence, or a sustained glowing after exposure to light or energized particles such as electrons
Implementation Method 2
they have the ability to transfer electromagnetic energy of one frequency to a higher frequency (referred to as 'up-converting') or to a lower frequency (referred to as 'down-converting')
Implementation Method 3
they have the ability to transfer electromagnetic energy of one frequency to a higher frequency (referred to as 'up-converting') or to a lower frequency (referred to as 'down-converting')
Implementation Method 4
UV-C light is 'germicidal' because it can deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens and thus destroys their ability to multiply and cause disease
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a composition for converting electromagnetic energy to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, the composition comprising at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic energy (A) to an electromagnetic energy (B) comprising UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, and an organic or inorganic media containing said phosphor. There is also a method of sterilizing an article by exposing it to UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism and/or for a time sufficient to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, when said composition is in an implantable medical device. A method of coating an article with such compositions is also disclosed.