Surface Illuminator Line Emitter Curved Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface illuminators using ultraviolet light for disinfection face inefficiencies due to the need for multiple light sources to achieve uniform coverage, leading to gaps in coverage and excessive light production.
Innovation Solution
A surface illuminator design featuring a line emitter with a light diffusing rod and a curved reflector surface, which emits ultraviolet light in a continuous line along the surface edges, ensuring uniform coverage with reduced excess light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple light emitting diodes are arranged in an array to cover a large surface, then the coverage area is increased, but gaps of coverage between emission cones develop and excess light is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple light emitting diodes arranged in an array, where each LED provides localized illumination. This segmentation allows the system to cover large surfaces while maintaining control over the emission patterns of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflecting surface positioned between the light emitting diodes and the target surface, adding a new dimensional element to the illumination path. This reflecting surface redirects light from the emission cones onto the target surface, effectively filling coverage gaps and redistributing light intensity to reduce excess illumination in certain areas.
2Reliability
If multiple light emitting diodes are arranged in an array to provide adequate disinfecting coverage, then the disinfection effectiveness is improved, but the total irradiance and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reflecting surface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects light to fill coverage gaps, distributes light intensity more uniformly across the target surface, and enhances the overall illumination efficiency of the LED array. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve adequate disinfection coverage without proportionally increasing the number of light emitting diodes required.
3Area of stationary object
If the total irradiance of the system is increased to provide adequate disinfecting coverage in gap areas, then the coverage completeness is improved, but the efficiency and economy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved or shaped reflecting surface that is optimized to redirect light from the LED emission cones onto the target surface. The specific curvature and geometry of the reflecting surface are designed to maximize light redistribution efficiency, ensuring that gap areas receive adequate illumination without requiring a proportional increase in total system irradiance, thereby maintaining energy efficiency.
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 design achieves efficient disinfection by irradiating at least 90% of the surface area with a power density sufficient for disinfection, while minimizing excess light and component count.
Implementation Method 1
the line emitter comprises a light diffusing rod structured to scatter light along its length
Implementation Method 2
the curved reflector surface is configured to redirect the light from the line emitter through the exit aperture across the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of an illuminator for disinfecting a surface. The surface defines a first plane. The illuminator includes a line emitter configured to emit light in a continuous line along at least a portion of at least one edge of the surface. The light has a peak wavelength in a range of 100 nm to 400 nm. The illuminator also includes a curved reflector surface and an exit aperture defining a second plane transverse to the first plane. The line emitter is positioned between the curved reflector surface and the exit aperture, and the curved reflector surface is configured to redirect the light from the line emitter through the exit aperture across the surface.