Portable UVC LED Projection Unit for Rapid Surface Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilization methods for viruses and bacteria are inadequate for mobile and efficient use in various settings such as hospitals, airplanes, and biohazard cleanup, as they lack effective and portable solutions for providing UVC illumination.
Innovation Solution
A mobile UVC light projection unit with a housing containing an array of UVC LEDs and visible LEDs, designed to emit light in the 250-280 nm range, equipped with handles and a power source for portable use, utilizing optical elements to reduce divergence and enhance light delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current sterilization methods are used, then sterilization function is provided, but mobility and efficiency are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization system is segmented into portable handheld UVC light projection units that can be independently operated, rather than requiring large fixed installation systems. This segmentation enables mobility while maintaining sterilization effectiveness through concentrated UVC output from multiple LEDs arranged in arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple UVC LEDs are nested within a compact handheld housing, with optical elements nested within each LED assembly. This nested structure allows high-power UVC emission in a portable form factor, resolving the contradiction between mobility and sterilization effectiveness.
2Productivity
If UVC light intensity is increased to improve sterilization speed, then coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple UVC LEDs are merged into a single projection unit with combined optical output. The arrays of UVC LEDs work together to provide both high intensity for rapid sterilization and extended coverage area, as the combined light output covers surfaces up to 25 square feet while maintaining fast action times.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple UVC LEDs are used to increase coverage area, then device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld housing serves multiple functions: it houses the UVC LED arrays, provides structural support, enables portable operation through handle integration, and facilitates light projection. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite incorporating multiple UVC LEDs for extended coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical elements are applied locally to individual LED assemblies rather than requiring a complex overall optical system. Each LED has its own optical element for light direction control, which simplifies the overall device structure while achieving uniform light distribution across large surfaces.
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 UVC light projection unit effectively sterilizes surfaces by disabling or killing bacteria and viruses within seconds to minutes, covering areas up to 25 square feet from a distance, making it suitable for diverse applications including hospitals and biohazard cleanup.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light sources comprising a first group of light sources comprising a plurality of UVC light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of UVC LEDs are configured to emit light having a wavelength in the range of 250 to 280 nm
Data Source
AI summary
A UVC light projection unit for providing UVC illumination comprises a housing supporting a plurality of light sources, a pair of handles connected to the housing for holding the housing, and a backpack, a belt pack, or holster comprising a power source for providing electrical power to the plurality of light sources. The plurality of light sources comprises a plurality of UVC light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit light having a wavelength in the range of 260 to 280 nm.