Tapered Reflector for UV Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultraviolet (UV) disinfection devices, both wheeled and handheld, struggle to effectively disinfect hidden or obstructed high-touch surfaces due to limitations in UV light distribution and targeting.
Innovation Solution
A portable UV disinfector with a handheld apparatus featuring a cabinet, a UV lamp, and a tapered reflector unit, which directs UV light through a lumen towards a target surface, enhancing the uniformity and intensity of UV light coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional handheld UV devices are used, then maneuverability for targeting surfaces is improved, but UV light distribution uniformity and intensity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A tapered reflector unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the UV lamp and the target surface. The reflector unit receives UV light from the lamp and redirects it through its lumen to achieve more uniform and intense UV distribution on the target surface, while maintaining the handheld device's maneuverability.
2Device complexity
If conventional UV devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but disinfection effectiveness on hidden surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a cabinet housing the UV lamp, and a separate tapered reflector unit with a lumen. This segmentation allows the reflector unit to be specifically designed to direct UV light into hidden or obstructed areas, improving disinfection effectiveness while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple and modular.
3Illumination intensity
If UV light is directed through a tapered reflector unit, then UV light distribution uniformity and intensity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector unit employs a tapered geometric form with a lumen that gradually narrows from the UV lamp side to the target surface side. This curved/tapered geometry naturally focuses and distributes UV light more uniformly across the target surface, achieving improved illumination intensity and uniformity through geometric design rather than complex optical systems or electronic controls.
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 portable UV disinfector effectively targets and disinfects hard-to-reach surfaces by improving the distribution and intensity of UV light, thereby enhancing the efficiency of surface disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
The tapered reflector unit may include a tapered reflector mounted within a housing. The tapered reflector unit may include a first open end, a second open end, and a lumen therebetween. The tapered reflector unit may be adapted for directing the UV light through the lumen towards a target surface
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present application disclose a handheld ultraviolet (UV) apparatus for surface disinfection. In one embodiment, the handheld UV apparatus includes a cabinet, a UV lamp, and a tapered reflector unit. The cabinet includes a side having an optical window. The UV lamp is mounted within the cabinet and proximate to the optical window, where the UV lamp is configured to provide UV light through the optical window. The tapered reflector unit includes a tapered reflector mounted within a housing. The tapered reflector unit includes a first open end, a second open end, and a lumen therebetween. The first open end is attached to the side for receiving the UV light. The first open end is larger than the second open end. The tapered reflector unit is adapted for directing the UV light through the lumen towards a target surface via the second open end.