Solid State UV Emitter for Inline Sensor Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low pressure mercury lamps used in inline UV sensors are inefficient, require high power, generate optical noise, and are cumbersome, especially in hazardous environments, due to the need for special containment and cabling.
Innovation Solution
A solid state UV light source with LEDs emitting at single wavelengths, enclosed in a compact housing with a regulator, eliminating the need for filters and allowing safe operation in hazardous environments with reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If low pressure Hg lamps are used to emit UV light, then the light source can provide discrete spectral lines, but the efficiency is low and power consumption is high (4-5 watts)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the light source by transitioning from gas discharge lamp technology to solid-state LED technology. This parameter change enables operation at much lower power levels (milliwatt range versus 4-5 watts) while maintaining UV emission capability at the required 254 nm wavelength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical system of gas discharge lamps with a solid-state electronic system using LEDs. This substitution eliminates the need for high voltage power supplies, ballasts, and associated mechanical components, resulting in both reduced power consumption and improved energy efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If bandpass interference filters are used to isolate specific emission lines, then the desired wavelength can be isolated, but the available optical signal is greatly reduced (transmission rarely exceeds 20 percent)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavelength selection function from the optical path by using an LED that emits only at the desired 254 nm wavelength. This eliminates the need for bandpass interference filters entirely, as the LED's inherent spectral characteristics provide the wavelength isolation that filters would otherwise provide, but without the 80%+ signal loss.
3Reliability
If low pressure Hg lamps are used to provide UV light, then the spectral lines are available, but optical noise and output drift occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs solid-state LED technology which, while having a finite lifetime, provides stable and noise-free operation during its operational life. The LED's solid-state nature eliminates the optical noise and drift characteristics of gas discharge lamps, providing reliable measurement signals without the harmful fluctuations.
4Power
If low pressure Hg lamps operate at high envelope temperatures, then the lamp can function, but heat dissipation becomes a problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter dramatically by using LED technology that operates at low temperatures compared to gas discharge lamps. The solid-state LED requires no high temperature operation, eliminating heat dissipation issues and enabling operation in temperature-sensitive environments.
5Power
If special high voltage power supplies are used for low pressure Hg lamps, then the lamp can be powered, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex high voltage power supply system with a simple low voltage electronic control system suitable for LEDs. This substitution eliminates ballasts, high voltage transformers, and associated safety components, dramatically reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to power the UV light source.
6Measurement precision
If matched filters and detectors are used for both reference and measurement channels in dual beam applications, then accurate measurements can be made, but the optical signals are further reduced and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single LED wavelength source that serves both reference and measurement channels simultaneously. The monochromatic nature of LED emission means the same light source can be used for both beams without requiring separate filters or wavelength selection optics, simplifying the dual-beam configuration while maintaining measurement accuracy.
7Reliability
If low pressure Hg lamps are used in hazardous environments, then UV measurement can be performed, but special containment enclosures and connectors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gas-filled lamp system with a solid-state LED that has no internal pressure or explosive gas. This substitution eliminates the need for explosion-proof enclosures, special cable glands, and hazardous location certifications, allowing direct installation in hazardous environments without additional containment complexity.
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 solid state UV light source provides spectrally pure emissions with reduced power requirements, eliminating the need for filters and special containment, offering improved efficiency and safety in hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
one or more solid state UV emitters for emitting light at single wavelengths in the range of 240 to 400 nm
Data Source
AI summary
Light source for an inline sensor having one or more solid state UV emitters for emitting light at single wavelengths in the range of 240 to 400 nm. The light emitted by each of the emitters has a bandwidth on the order of 10-20 nm and is directed toward a measurement detector in the inline sensor. The UV emitters are enclosed in a housing which can be attached to the inline sensor, with a reference detector and a regulator for the UV emitters also within the housing, and an aperture through which the light passes from the emitters to the measurement detector.