UV Adhesive Device Light Guiding Layer Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adhesive devices using ultraviolet radiation for surface treatment, such as disinfection, face inefficiencies due to non-uniform distribution of UV radiation, which impairs the disinfection process.

Innovation Solution

An adhesive treatment device with a flexible substrate featuring an ultraviolet transparent region and a UV radiation source, where the UV radiation is directed through a transparent window and guided using a light guiding layer to ensure uniform distribution on the treated surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If side emitting fiber optic mesh or LED chip array is used, then the adhesive device can be compact and self-contained, but the UV radiation distribution becomes non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidUV radiation distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

A light guiding layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the UV radiation source and the treated surface. This layer receives UV radiation from the source and guides/distributes it uniformly across the treatment area, mediating between the compact source design and the requirement for uniform radiation distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical/optical emission from side-emitting sources with a light guiding mechanism. Instead of relying on the inherent emission pattern of fiber optic meshes or LED arrays, the system uses a light guiding layer to control and distribute the radiation, substituting passive emission with active guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If non-uniform UV radiation distribution occurs, then device structure can be simpler, but disinfection efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisinfection efficiencyVSAvoidUV radiation distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The light guiding layer acts as a mediator that transforms the non-uniform radiation output from simple sources into a uniform distribution pattern, enabling high disinfection efficiency without requiring complex multi-source arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The light guiding layer changes the spatial distribution parameter of UV radiation, transforming it from a concentrated or non-uniform pattern at the source to a uniform pattern across the treatment surface, thereby improving disinfection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device achieves enhanced disinfection by ensuring consistent and uniform UV radiation coverage, improving the effectiveness of surface treatment processes.

Implementation Method 1

an ultraviolet radiation source configured to emit ultraviolet radiation through the flexible substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

guided using a light guiding layer to ensure uniform distribution on the treated surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight guiding: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentEP3256172B1Adhesive device with ultraviolet element
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 SENSOR ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP3256172B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3256172B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1E
  • EP3256172B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

An adhesive device with an ultraviolet element is disclosed. The adhesive device with an ultraviolet element can be used to provide a treatment of a surface of an object. The treatment can include cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and sanitization. The adhesive device with an ultraviolet element can also be used as a self-adhesive bandage.