Pulsed High Intensity Narrow Spectrum Light for Antimicrobial Decontamination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting systems using high intensity narrow spectrum (HINS) light for antimicrobial purposes often require continuous application, which can be inefficient and may not achieve antimicrobial effects effectively due to absorption and chemical reaction rates within microorganisms.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system that incorporates high intensity narrow spectrum light sources, powered by a control circuit to pulse the emission of HINS light, allowing for higher intensity dosing over shorter durations, potentially combined with other wavelengths to create visible white light, facilitating faster decontamination with less light application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous HINS light application is used for antimicrobial purposes, then the light can be applied without interruption, but the system is inefficient and may not achieve effective antimicrobial effects due to absorption and chemical reaction rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by pulsing the HINS light at specific frequencies (e.g., 1-100 Hz) rather than continuous illumination. This pulsing regime allows microorganisms to be exposed to high-intensity light bursts that overcome absorption limitations, while the intervals between pulses prevent photodamage to the light sources and reduce overall energy consumption, thereby improving both antimicrobial efficacy and system efficiency
2Productivity
If high intensity narrow spectrum light is applied at higher intensity for shorter durations, then faster decontamination is achieved, but the light emission must be precisely controlled to avoid damage or inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by using control circuits that can dynamically adjust the pulsing parameters (frequency, duty cycle, intensity) of the HINS light sources. This allows the system to optimize the balance between high-intensity short-duration pulses for fast decontamination and safe operational parameters, adapting to different microorganisms and application requirements without requiring overly complex manual control mechanisms
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
Pulsed HINS light achieves faster antimicrobial effects with reduced application time, leading to more efficient operation and potentially eliminating the need for continuous dosing, thereby enhancing the antimicrobial efficacy in decontaminating surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
one or more high intensity narrow spectrum light sources configured to emit high intensity narrow spectrum light
Implementation Method 2
HINS light having a peak wavelength in the range of about 380 nanometers (nm) to about 420 nm (e.g., 405 nm) has been shown to inactivate certain microorganisms
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for pulsing high intensity narrow spectrum light are provided. In one example embodiment, a lighting system includes can include one or more high intensity narrow spectrum light sources configured to emit high intensity narrow spectrum light. The lighting system can further include a power circuit configured to provide power to the one or more high intensity narrow spectrum light sources and a pulsing circuit configured to control delivery of power to the one or more high intensity narrow spectrum light sources so as to pulse the emission of high intensity narrow spectrum light from the one or more high intensity narrow spectrum light sources.