Sanitization Emitter With Wireless Feedback From a Photoelectric Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sanitization methods using light lack feedback mechanisms to adjust intensity and duration of light exposure, leading to potential under-sanitization or over-sanitization, and inefficiencies in energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop sanitization system that includes a sensor on the surface to provide feedback to an emitter, adjusting light intensity and duration based on received light intensity, using a photoelectric transducer to convert light into power and control wireless signals for real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light intensity and exposure duration are increased to ensure effective sanitization, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor on the surface measures light intensity and communicates with the emitter via wireless signal. The emitter receives this feedback and automatically adjusts its light output to maintain optimal sanitization levels, preventing both under-sanitization and energy waste from over-sanitization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts light intensity based on real-time conditions. The emitter can vary its output intensity in response to feedback from the sensor, adapting to changes in distance, ambient light conditions, and surface requirements to maintain optimal sanitization effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption.
2Reliability
If light intensity is increased to ensure thorough sanitization, then sanitization completeness is improved, but risk of overexposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback loop continuously monitors light intensity at the surface and communicates this information to the emitter. When the sensor detects sufficient light intensity for effective sanitization, it signals the emitter to reduce or stop light output, thereby preventing overexposure while ensuring complete sanitization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies light intensity that is sufficient but not excessive for sanitization purposes. By using feedback to determine the minimum required intensity and duration, the system achieves complete sanitization without applying harmful levels of light exposure.
3Device complexity
If fixed light intensity is used without adjustment, then device complexity is reduced, but sanitization precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism provides automatic control that maintains precise light intensity levels without requiring complex manual adjustment systems. The sensor and wireless communication components work together to enable precise sanitization control with relatively simple device architecture.
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
Ensures effective sanitization by maintaining optimal light intensity and duration, reducing energy waste, and improving efficiency by preventing overexposure.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric transducer configured to convert light at a sanitizing wavelength into a current
Data Source
AI summary
A system to sanitize a surface includes an emitter. The emitter of the system to sanitize the surface includes: a light source configured to generate light at a sanitizing wavelength; a receiver configured to receive a wireless signal; and a processing circuit for the emitter configured to turn the light source on, turn the light source off, and adjust an intensity of light generated by the light source depending on the wireless signal. The system to sanitize the surface further includes a sensor. The sensor of the system to sanitize the surface includes: a photoelectric transducer configured to convert light at the sanitizing wavelength to a current; and a processing circuit for the sensor powered by the current and in communication with a transmitter to transmit the wireless signal, the processing circuit for the sensor being configured to control emission of the wireless signal depending on a power level supplied by the current.