Solid-State Light Source Monitoring via Reflected Light Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state light sources, such as LEDs, can fail or become less effective without being noticed, leading to inadequate treatment of fluids, potentially resulting in health hazards due to insufficient pathogen deactivation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for monitoring light output from solid-state light sources by sensing light reflected from a surface to a reference location, producing error signals if no light or light below a threshold is detected, ensuring continuous monitoring of UV light production in fluid treatment systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solid-state light sources are used in fluid treatment systems, then energy efficiency and longevity are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to undetected failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by using a sensor to detect light output from the solid-state light source and generate a sensor signal. This signal is processed to determine whether the light output is sufficient, and an indicator provides feedback about the operational status. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that failures are detected and communicated, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of solid-state lighting.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If solid-state light sources are used in fluid treatment systems, then operational lifespan is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of failure detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a monitoring system that continuously checks light output before complete failure occurs. The sensor detects light levels and the indicator warns of potential failures before they compromise the fluid treatment process. This proactive approach extends the effective operational lifespan by ensuring the system remains reliable throughout the extended duration.
3Device complexity
If no monitoring system is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to undetected light source failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by using a sensor to detect light output from the solid-state light source and generate a sensor signal. This signal is processed to determine whether the light output is sufficient, and an indicator provides feedback about the operational status. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that failures are detected and communicated, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of solid-state lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring system consisting of a sensor and indicator that mediates between the light source and the control system. This intermediary detects light output levels and communicates status information, enabling failure detection without requiring complex integrated control systems, thus balancing simplicity with safety.
4Reliability
If monitoring system is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring system consisting of a sensor and indicator that mediates between the light source and the control system. This intermediary detects light output levels and communicates status information, enabling failure detection without requiring complex integrated control systems, thus balancing simplicity with safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a sensor to create an optical copy or representation of the light output from the solid-state light source. This sensor signal is a simplified copy of the actual light emission, which can be easily processed and compared against threshold values. This copying approach enables reliable monitoring while keeping the monitoring system itself simple and independent of complex control logic.
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
Prevents unknowingly inadequate fluid treatment by detecting failures or reduced effectiveness of LEDs, ensuring consistent pathogen deactivation and maintaining safety in fluid treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
sensing any light produced by the at least one solid-state light source and reflected, by at least one surface spaced apart from the at least one solid-state light source, to at least one reference location spaced apart from the at least one surface
Implementation Method 2
sensing any light produced by the at least one solid-state light source... producing at least one sensor signal representing sensing light
Data Source
AI summary
A method of monitoring light output from at least one solid-state light source involves sensing any light produced by the at least one solid-state light source and reflected, by at least one surface spaced apart from the at least one solid-state light source, to at least one reference location spaced apart from the at least one surface. Apparatuses and uses of the apparatuses are also disclosed.