Single-Dielectric Excimer Lamp Reduces Voltage and Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV lamps for sanitizing, such as those used in aircraft, are complex and costly to manufacture due to their multi-component structure, particularly requiring high voltages and two concentric quartz tubes.
Innovation Solution
A simplified excimer lamp design featuring a single dielectric tube with a metal end cap and a conductive hollow tube, along with an electrode grid, which reduces production costs and voltage requirements by eliminating one glass layer and using a metal cap to seal the quartz tube, allowing for easier assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two concentric quartz tubes are used in the UV lamp design, then the lamp can produce effective UV emission for sanitizing, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes one of the two concentric quartz tubes from the traditional design, retaining only a single dielectric tube. This extraction of the unnecessary inner tube simplifies the overall structure while preserving the essential UV generation function through the remaining dielectric barrier configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple components into a simplified configuration where a single dielectric tube with metal end caps performs the roles previously requiring two separate quartz tubes. The metal end caps integrated with the dielectric tube create the necessary electrical barriers and gas containment in a unified structure.
2Reliability
If two concentric quartz tubes are used in the UV lamp design, then the lamp can produce effective UV emission for sanitizing, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the inner quartz tube from the concentric configuration, the patent reduces the quantity of expensive quartz material required and simplifies the assembly process. This extraction directly lowers material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the essential dual-electrode gas discharge function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs metal end caps that can be more economically manufactured and assembled compared to requiring two complete quartz tube assemblies. The simplified structure allows for more cost-effective manufacturing processes while achieving the same UV sanitation function.
3Illumination intensity
If high voltage is used to operate the UV lamp, then effective UV emission is achieved, but the operational complexity and safety requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electrical parameters by using a single dielectric barrier configuration with metal end caps that allows for optimized voltage distribution. This parameter change enables the generation of sufficient UV intensity through a simplified electrical configuration, potentially reducing the peak voltage requirements compared to traditional dual-quartz tube designs.
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 results in a more affordable and easier-to-produce UV lamp that operates at lower voltages, suitable for portable sanitizing systems, while maintaining effective UV emission for disinfection purposes.
Implementation Method 1
excimer lamp that includes a dielectric tube, an end cap, a conductive hollow tube, and an electrode grid
Implementation Method 2
UV light around 222 nanometers wavelength may be utilized
Data Source
AI summary
An excimer lamp includes a dielectric tube, an end cap, a conductive hollow tube, and an electrode grid. The dielectric tube has a closed end and an open end, and defines a cavity. The end cap sealingly covers the open end. The conductive hollow tube passes through the end cap and into the cavity of the dielectric tube, with a volume defined between an exterior surface of the conductive hollow tube and an interior surface of the dielectric tube. The volume is configured to hold a gas. The electrode grid is disposed on an exterior surface of the dielectric tube.