Sterilization Apparatus with Light-Mixing Space for Uniform Irradiance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV sterilization methods face inefficiencies due to non-uniform irradiance distribution and prolonged irradiation times, which affect the sterilization effectiveness of liquids.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization apparatus comprising a light-emitting diode (LED) light source with collimating units and a designed light-mixing space ensures uniform light distribution, enhancing irradiance and sterilization efficiency by using a combination of LED packages and collimating units to optimize light emission and irradiation within a sterilization container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light irradiance and irradiation time are increased to improve sterilization effect, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the irradiance distribution becomes non-uniform and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization apparatus divides the light source into multiple LED packages arranged in specific patterns, and segments the irradiation path by introducing a light-mixing space. This segmentation allows each LED package to contribute to different regions of the liquid, ensuring uniform irradiance distribution across the entire volume while maintaining high sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light-mixing space as an intermediary between the LED light source and the liquid to be sterilized. This intermediate region allows scattered UV light from multiple LED packages to mix and redistribute uniformly before reaching the liquid, solving the non-uniform irradiance problem without requiring direct complex positioning of each light source.
2Productivity
If traditional UV sterilization methods are used, then the structure is simple, but the irradiation time is prolonged and sterilization efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization apparatus employs multiple LED packages that simultaneously irradiate different regions of the liquid throughout the container. This continuous and parallel irradiation of the entire liquid volume dramatically reduces the time required to achieve complete sterilization compared to traditional single-point UV sources that require prolonged exposure times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-direction or point-source UV irradiation to a multi-dimensional illumination approach by arranging LED packages around the container and introducing a light-mixing space. This spatial redistribution of light sources in multiple dimensions ensures all regions of the liquid receive adequate irradiance simultaneously, thereby reducing overall irradiation time.
3Productivity
If LED packages are arranged to improve light distribution, then sterilization efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-mixing space serves multiple functions simultaneously: it allows UV light from multiple LED packages to mix and redistribute uniformly, protects the LED packages from direct contact with the liquid, and defines the irradiation geometry. This multi-functional design achieves improved sterilization efficiency without proportionally increasing device 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 apparatus achieves improved sterilization efficiency by ensuring uniform light distribution and increased irradiance, effectively sterilizing liquids with enhanced effectiveness and reduced irradiation time, while protecting the light source from contact with the liquid.
Implementation Method 1
Deep UV lights with the wavelength ranged from 200 nm to 280 nm could directly damage the links of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and the Ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the bacteria and the viruses
Implementation Method 2
each of the plurality of collimating units separately is disposed on a corresponding LED packages
Implementation Method 3
the first container is assembled together with the sterilization container, and the first light-mixing space is disposed between the first sterilization light source and the accommodating space
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a sterilization apparatus, adapted to sterilize a liquid to be sterilized, comprises a first sterilization light source, a first container and a sterilization container. The first sterilization light source includes a carrier, a plurality of LED packages and a plurality of collimating units, wherein the plurality of LED packages are disposed on and electrically connected to the plurality of carriers, and each of the plurality of collimating units separately is disposed on a corresponding LED package. The first container accommodates the first sterilization light source, and defines a first light-mixing space. The sterilization container includes an accommodating space for accommodating the liquid, wherein the first container is assembled together with the sterilization container, and the first light-mixing space is disposed between the first sterilization light source and the accommodating space.