Sanitizing Light Fixture with UV-C and White LEDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a light fixture that can simultaneously illuminate informational signage and disinfect ambient air using ultraviolet light, particularly in enclosed public spaces where contagious diseases can spread, as existing fixtures do not effectively utilize electrical power for both purposes.
Innovation Solution
A light fixture incorporating both white-light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for illumination and UV-C LEDs for disinfection, with independently switchable options to control the emission of light for either signage illumination or air disinfection, utilizing a recirculating air flow to enhance disinfection efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light fixture uses electrical power to illuminate signage, then information display is improved, but the ability to disinfect ambient air with UV-C light is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines white LEDs for illumination and UV-C LEDs for disinfection into a single light fixture system. Both types of LEDs are integrated into the same housing structure, allowing the fixture to simultaneously provide signage illumination and air disinfection functions that were previously separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The light fixture is designed to perform multiple functions: it can illuminate signage for information display, disinfect ambient air through UV-C radiation, or both simultaneously. The independently switchable LEDs enable the fixture to adapt to different operational requirements, making it a multi-functional device for public spaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a light fixture incorporates both white LEDs and UV-C LEDs, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LED components into distinct groups within the fixture housing, with white LEDs arranged for illumination and UV-C LEDs arranged for disinfection. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each function while maintaining a unified fixture structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fixture housing are optimized for specific functions: areas with white LEDs are optimized for illumination quality, while areas with UV-C LEDs are optimized for disinfection effectiveness. This local optimization allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently within the overall system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If UV-C LEDs are used to disinfect air, then microbial presence is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or intermittent operation of the UV-C LEDs rather than continuous operation. The independently switchable control allows the disinfection function to be activated only when needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective microbial reduction during operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture can provide disinfection at varying intensity levels through partial operation of the UV-C LEDs, activating them only for the duration and intensity required to achieve effective microbial reduction, rather than maintaining maximum continuous operation.
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 fixture effectively illuminates informational signage while disinfecting ambient air by using UV-C LEDs to sanitize the air, providing a controlled and efficient method to reduce microbial presence in public spaces, enhancing air quality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
ultraviolet light in the UV-C spectrum can perform sterilizing and disinfecting functions
Implementation Method 2
white-light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture devised to provide illuminated sign panes for displaying information to nearby viewers, but including both white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and UV-C LEDs. The white LEDs are arranged in the fixture so as to illuminate transparent/translucent panes upon which helpful information is displayed, when actuated. The UV-C LEDs also are arranged in the fixture so as to disinfect or sterilize the ambient air near the fixture. The illumination LEDs and the disinfection LEDs are independently switchable “on” and “off,” so that a user can controllably illuminate the informational panes, or disinfect the air, or both.