Submerged Lighting Fixture Anti-Biofouling via UV Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lighting fixtures installed in submerged marine environments, such as piers and marine vessels, face biofouling issues due to attachment of biological organisms like barnacles and algae, which impede light transmission and reduce their effectiveness for both functional and decorative purposes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a sealed chamber with a light source and a UV radiation source, using UV-transparent materials like quartz for the window member, which directs UVC radiation to the exterior surface to inhibit biofouling, combined with energy-efficient activation methods to conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lighting fixtures are installed in submerged marine environments, then functional and decorative lighting purposes are served, but biofouling occurs which impedes light transmission and reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating a UV radiation source that continuously or periodically treats the window member surface before biofouling can significantly impede light transmission. The UV radiation prevents biological organisms from establishing themselves on the window member, proactively maintaining optical clarity rather than reacting to fouling after it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting fixture serves itself by integrating a UV radiation source within the same sealed chamber as the light source. The UV source automatically treats the window member without requiring external intervention, maintenance, or separate cleaning systems, enabling the fixture to self-maintain its optical performance in the submerged environment.
2Reliability
If UV radiation is used to combat biofouling, then light transmission is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by configuring the UV radiation source to operate intermittently rather than continuously. The controller activates the UV source at scheduled intervals or based on detected fouling levels, providing sufficient anti-biofouling treatment while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting fixture achieves multi-functionality by integrating both visible light emission and UV radiation functions within a single device. The UV radiation source serves the dual purpose of combating biofouling while the same sealed chamber and window member structure supports both lighting and anti-biofouling operations, reducing overall system energy requirements compared to separate systems.
3Reliability
If a sealed chamber with UV source is integrated, then biofouling is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the visible light source, UV radiation source, and window member into a single integrated sealed chamber assembly. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate anti-biofouling devices and reduces installation complexity compared to adding external UV treatment systems to existing lighting fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the UV radiation source specifically at locations within the sealed chamber where it can effectively treat the window member surface. The UV source is strategically placed to maximize radiation exposure of the exterior surface of the window member while minimizing unnecessary complexity in other parts of the fixture.
4Reliability
If quartz or UV-transparent material is used for window member, then UV radiation transmission is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying materials with particular UV transmission properties for the window member. The window member is constructed from materials such as quartz or UV-transparent plastics that allow UVC radiation to pass through effectively, achieving the necessary optical parameter for anti-biofouling while considering manufacturing feasibility and cost.
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
This solution effectively prevents biofouling, ensuring consistent light transmission, expanding the use of submerged lighting fixtures in diverse marine applications, simplifying installation, and extending their service life while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a source of ultraviolet radiation within the chamber and arranged to direct ultraviolet radiation to the window member, the ultraviolet radiation being effective in combating the biological organisms
Implementation Method 2
the window member being constructed of a material capable of transmitting the ultraviolet radiation from within the chamber to the outer surface of the window member
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting fixture and method resist bio-fouling of a window of the lighting fixture when submerged and exposed to biological organisms within a surrounding environment. Ultraviolet radiation is directed to the window from a source within the fixture, enabling transmission of the ultraviolet radiation through the window to an outer surface of the window to combat biological organisms to which the outer surface of the window is exposed when submerged, and allowing light from a source behind the window to be projected effectively through the window and into the surrounding environment.