Phosphor-Converted UV LED Array Tuned to Phosphor Excitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection systems using UV light are limited by their implementation in existing infrastructure, efficiency, bulkiness, and safety concerns, particularly in environments where humans are present, and they struggle to effectively disinfect larger spaces.
Innovation Solution
A phosphor converted LED light source system comprising multiple sets of light generating devices with different peak wavelengths, including blue and UV ranges, and a luminescent material that converts light, allowing for efficient disinfection while minimizing safety risks and accommodating various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If UV light is used for disinfection, then disinfection capability is improved, but safety risks increase due to harmful effects on humans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple UV LEDs with different peak wavelengths (385nm, 395nm, 405nm, 415nm, 425nm, 435nm) to change the spectral parameters of the radiation. This allows selective excitation of phosphors while controlling the harmful UV exposure to humans, as different wavelengths have different penetration and absorption characteristics in biological tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phosphors as intermediary materials that convert UV radiation into visible light. The phosphors absorb UV photons and re-emit visible photons, thereby reducing the direct exposure of humans to harmful UV wavelengths while maintaining disinfection effectiveness through the initial UV radiation
2Productivity
If multiple UV LEDs with different wavelengths are used, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple UV LEDs with different peak wavelengths into a single integrated array, along with multiple phosphor types having different excitation spectra. This merging approach achieves broad-spectrum disinfection effectiveness while consolidating the system into a unified LED-based device rather than requiring separate light sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the same LED array serves both disinfection and illumination purposes. The UV LEDs excite phosphors to produce visible light for illumination, while simultaneously providing UV radiation for disinfection, thereby achieving multiple functions with a single device
3Productivity
If UV radiation intensity is increased for larger space disinfection, then disinfection capacity is improved, but harmful effects on humans increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of UV radiation delivery by using pulsed or intermittent operation modes. The UV LEDs can be activated in pulses or at reduced duty cycles, allowing sufficient UV dose accumulation for disinfection while limiting continuous exposure time to humans, thereby decoupling disinfection capacity from harmful exposure
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 provides effective disinfection capabilities with UV and violet light, suitable for larger spaces and existing infrastructure, while ensuring safety and efficiency by controlling radiation wavelength, intensity, and duration.
Implementation Method 1
a luminescent material configured to convert light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a light generating system (1000) comprising (a) a plurality of sets (150) of light generating devices (100) and (b) a luminescent material (200), wherein the light generating devices (100) are configured in an array (40); wherein the light generating devices (100) are configured to generate device light (101); wherein the light generating devices (100) comprise solid state light sources; wherein the plurality of sets (150) of light generating devices (100) comprises at least three sets (50) of light generating devices (100), wherein light generating devices (100) of different sets mutually differ in peak wavelengths of the device light (101), wherein a first set of first light generating devices (110) is configured to provide first device light (111) having a first peak wavelength (λ1) in the visible wavelength range, especially the blue wavelength range, a second set of second light generating devices (120) is configured to generate second device light (121) having a second peak wavelength (λ2) in the UV wavelength range or in the violet wavelength range, and a third set of third light generating devices (130) is configured to generate third device light (131) having a third peak wavelength (λ3) in the UV wavelength range or in the violet wavelength range; wherein the luminescent material (200) is configured downstream of the array (40) of light generating devices (100); wherein the luminescent material (200) is configured to convert at least part of the first device light (101) into luminescent material light (201); and wherein the luminescent material (200) is configured to convert at least part of the second device light and/or at least part of the third device light (101) into luminescent material light (201); wherein the luminescent material (200) has different excitation intensities at the different peak wavelengths (λ1, λ2, λ3); wherein the light generating devices (100) of the at least three sets (50) are configured according to increasing or decreasing excitation intensities of the luminescent material (200) for the different excitation intensities at the different peak wavelengths.