Ultraviolet light-emitting assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV disinfection systems face challenges in delivering effective UV radiation due to limitations in power supply and intensity variation, which affects their ability to efficiently sanitize and disinfect surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The use of UV light-emitting assemblies with heat sinks to operate at higher power and varying UV light intensity through mechanical control, enabling more effective UV irradiation and broader surface coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple UV emitters are provided with a low power supply (12 watts), then the device can be powered by a relatively low power supply, but the UV irradiation intensity and effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light source is divided into multiple individual UV emitters (UV LEDs) arranged in an array, each contributing to the overall UV output. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher total UV irradiation intensity while still being compatible with low power supply requirements, as each individual emitter consumes minimal power.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple UV emitters are combined in a single assembly with their light paths converging toward a common disinfection zone. The merging of multiple low-power UV sources creates a cumulative effect that delivers effective UV irradiation intensity suitable for surface disinfection, resolving the contradiction between low power consumption and sufficient irradiation intensity.
2Area of stationary object
If UV light emitters are arranged to cover broader surfaces, then the irradiance area increases, but the UV intensity at each point may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light source is segmented into multiple individual emitters distributed across the assembly, allowing broad surface coverage while maintaining adequate UV intensity at each location. Each emitter contributes to its local area, and the cumulative effect provides both wide coverage and sufficient intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the UV assembly have different emitter densities or configurations optimized for local disinfection needs. The arrangement ensures that each area receives appropriate UV intensity based on its specific requirements, allowing broad overall coverage while maintaining effective intensity at each point.
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 configuration allows for higher UV irradiation and larger irradiance areas, enhancing the disinfection capabilities of UV light-emitting systems, particularly using 222 nm wavelength UV light, without skin damage, and enabling efficient disinfection in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emitters configured to emit a wavelength of 222 nanometers
Implementation Method 2
a first heat sink in thermal communication with the first UV light emitter support and configured to dissipate a first portion of thermal energy generated by the plurality of UV light emitters
Data Source
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AI summary
Assemblies and methods for disinfecting surfaces using ultraviolet (UV) light are disclosed. In one aspect, a UV light-emitting assembly (300, 400) comprises a plurality of UV light emitters (320), and first and second UV light emitter supports (322, 323) seating the UV light emitters. A first heat sink (346) is affixed to the first UV light emitter support and a second heat sink (380) is affixed to the second UV light emitter support. A thermally conductive and electrically insulating plate (370) contacts the first heat sink and the second heat sink.