Upconversion Light Source for UV-A Disinfection in Lighting Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection systems using UV light face limitations in wavelength selection, intensity, and duration due to safety concerns and inefficiencies, particularly in large spaces and existing infrastructure, and may not be easily integrated with lighting systems, posing challenges in effectively preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses like influenza and COVID-19.
Innovation Solution
A light generating system comprising a first light generating device, an optical element, and a converter material that converts visible and infrared light into UV radiation, allowing for the generation of disinfection radiation without the need for a dedicated UV source, which can be integrated into existing lighting systems to efficiently disinfect large areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light is used for disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but safety risks increase due to harmful effects on humans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light used for disinfection. Instead of using traditional UV-C (200-280 nm) which is highly effective but harmful to humans, the invention uses UV-A (315-380 nm) which has lower harmful effects while still providing disinfection capability. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining disinfection effectiveness while reducing safety risks.
2Productivity
If dedicated UV sources are used, then disinfection capacity is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the lighting device perform multiple functions: it provides both illumination and disinfection. By integrating a UV-A emitting light source into standard lighting fixtures, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated UV disinfection devices and infrastructure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining disinfection capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the disinfection function with the existing lighting infrastructure. Instead of installing separate UV disinfection systems, the patent combines UV-A emission capabilities directly into lighting devices that are already present in buildings, simplifying implementation and reducing infrastructure requirements.
3Ease of operation
If conventional lighting systems are used, then ease of operation is improved, but disinfection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms conventional lighting systems into multi-functional devices that provide both illumination and disinfection. By selecting light sources that emit in the UV-A range (such as specific LED types or fluorescent lamps), the system maintains the ease of operation and simplicity of conventional lighting while adding disinfection capability through the same light source.
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 provides a space-efficient and intuitive method for disinfecting substantial areas by converting visible and infrared light into UV radiation, enhancing disinfection capacity while minimizing safety risks and infrastructure modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a phosphor or luminescent material is capable of absorbing visible, infrared light, or longer wavelength radiation and emitting antimicrobial ultraviolet radiation via upconversion
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a light generating system (1000) comprising (i) a first light generating device (110), an optical element (500), and a first converter material (210), wherein: (A) the first light generating device (110) is configured to generate first device light (111), wherein the first device light (111) comprises one or more of visible light and infrared radiation: (B) the optical element (500) is configured in a light receiving relationship with the first light generating device (110); wherein the optical element (500) is transmissive for the first device light (111): (C) the first converter material (210) is configured downstream of the optical element (500); wherein the first converter material (210) is configured to convert at least part of the first device light (111) transmitted by the optical element (500) into first converter material light (211): wherein the first light generating device (110) and the first converter material (210) are selected such that the first converter material light (211) has spectral power at one or more wavelengths in the wavelength range of smaller than 380 nm; and (D) wherein the optical element (500) has a lower transmission for the first converter material light (211) than for the first device light (111).