Sterilizing LED Lighting Using Safe 400-420 Nm Violet Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultraviolet LEDs with sterilizing function are harmful to the human body and cannot be used in spaces where people are present, limiting their application in lighting apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A lighting apparatus using a combination of white LEDs and UV LEDs, where the UV LEDs emit light in the 400-420 nm range to sterilize pathogens without causing eye or skin diseases, and a wavelength converter adjusts the irradiance to safe levels, while also allowing for adjustable color temperature and location-based light dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultraviolet LEDs with sterilizing function are used, then sterilization capability is improved, but harm to human body (eyes and skin) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light source into two separate LED types: first LEDs emitting in the 300-420 nm range for sterilization, and second LEDs emitting in the 400-420 nm range for safe illumination. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without the harmful effects of the other, resolving the contradiction between sterilization capability and human safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wavelength converter as an intermediary element that converts the output of first LEDs (300-420 nm) to work with second LEDs (400-420 nm). This intermediary mechanism enables the sterilizing function while transforming the harmful ultraviolet radiation into safer visible light, thereby maintaining sterilization effectiveness while reducing harm to humans.
2Reliability
If ultraviolet LEDs are used for sterilization, then sterilization function is achieved, but usability in occupied spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate functions (sterilization and illumination) into a single integrated lighting apparatus. By combining first LEDs for sterilization with second LEDs for safe visible light emission, the system achieves both sterilization effectiveness and usability in occupied spaces, allowing the same device to be used in both sterilization modes and normal lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in different modes: sterilization mode using first LEDs, safe illumination mode using second LEDs, and combined mode using both. This universality allows the single device to adapt to various usage scenarios including occupied spaces, eliminating the need for separate sterilization devices and regular lighting fixtures.
3Reliability
If white light is emitted with high irradiance at 400-420 nm, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but risk of eye and skin damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different spectral distributions in different parts of the light output. The first LEDs provide localized high irradiance in the 300-420 nm range for sterilization, while the second LEDs provide localized emission in the safer 400-420 nm range. The wavelength converter further refines this by locally converting specific wavelengths. This spatial and spectral differentiation allows sterilization effectiveness in targeted areas while maintaining safety in human-exposed areas.
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 effectively sterilizes pathogens in environments with people by using safe visible light, preventing eye and skin diseases, and adjusts color temperature to mimic natural sunlight changes.
Implementation Method 1
the wavelength converter includes a plurality of wavelength conversion substances to convert light of the first light emitting diode into white light
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting apparatus including a first light emitter including at least one first light emitting diode and a wavelength converter, and a second light emitter including at least one second light emitting diode, in which the first light emitting diode emits light having a central wavelength in a range of violet or blue, the second light emitting diode emits light having a central wavelength in a range of about 400 nm to 420 nm, the wavelength converter includes green and red phosphors to convert light of the first light emitting diode into the white light, in the white light, an irradiance of light emitted from the first light emitting diode is less than that from the red phosphor, and an irradiance of light emitted from the second light emitting diode is greater than that of the white light emitted from the first light emitter at the same wavelength.