Light radiating module and sterilization apparatus comprising the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization apparatuses are inefficient and costly, requiring separate power sources and laborious post-treatment analysis to ensure proper sterilization, with UV exposure posing health risks.
Innovation Solution
A light radiation module with a photodiode unit driven by the light source, eliminating the need for external power and enabling real-time monitoring and control, using UV light or sunlight as a power source, and a photocatalytic material for sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a UV sterilization apparatus is used, then sterilization function is provided, but power consumption is high and requires separate power source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source unit and photodiode unit into a single integrated module. The photodiode unit serves dual purposes: detecting particles and generating power for the light source unit through photovoltaic effect, eliminating the need for external power sources and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining sterilization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The photodiode unit generates electrical power by detecting light from the light source unit, enabling the system to power itself. This self-powered mechanism eliminates external power requirements and reduces operational costs while ensuring continuous sterilization function.
2Reliability
If post-treatment analysis is performed to ensure proper sterilization, then sterilization reliability is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photodiode unit continuously detects particles in real-time and provides feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the light source unit's operation based on this feedback, automatically ensuring sterilization effectiveness without requiring manual post-treatment analysis, thus maintaining reliability while simplifying operation.
3Reliability
If UV exposure is increased for effective sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the light source unit's operation based on real-time particle detection data from the photodiode unit. This dynamic control ensures sufficient UV exposure for effective sterilization while minimizing excessive exposure that could pose health risks, achieving effectiveness without unnecessary harm.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact sterilization device is designed, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source unit, photodiode unit, power supply, and controller into a single integrated module. This consolidation reduces the overall device size and improves portability while the modular design maintains manageable complexity through functional integration.
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 solution achieves real-time monitoring and control, reducing power consumption and UV exposure, enabling efficient and portable sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a photodiode unit detecting the light from the light source unit and driven by the light from the light source unit without external power input
Implementation Method 2
a second light source emitting a second light sterilizing the region
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization apparatus includes a light source unit for emitting light to a sterilization region for sterilizing a target particle, a power supply unit for supplying power to the light source unit, and a photodiode unit for sensing the light from the light source unit. The photodiode unit is driven by the light from the light source unit.