UV-C Dosimeter with Optical Filters for Safe Wavelength Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack affordable and effective solutions for measuring UV-C light levels, particularly in the 200-234 nm range, which is essential for ensuring safety in environments with human presence, as existing meters are expensive, inefficient, or unable to differentiate between safe and unsafe wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A UV-C dosimeter system utilizing filters and photo diodes to measure safe and unsafe UV-C light levels, with a smartphone-connected electronic device for fast, accurate readings, and a cost-effective, filter-based print frame system for occasional use, providing percentage of TLV levels and unsafe wavelength detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive specialized meters are used to measure UV-C light levels, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the UV-C spectrum measurement into two separate detection channels: one for safe wavelengths (200-234 nm) and one for unsafe wavelengths (below 200 nm). Each channel uses dedicated filters and photodiodes, allowing independent optimization and reducing the need for expensive broad-spectrum specialized meters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical filters as intermediary components between the UV-C light source and the photodiode sensors. These filters selectively transmit specific wavelength ranges, enabling accurate measurement of safe and unsafe UV-C levels using standard photodiodes rather than requiring expensive specialized sensors for each wavelength range.
2Ease of manufacture
If general UV meters are used, then device cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to differentiate wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UV-C spectrum into distinct measurement bands using separate optical filters and photodiode channels. This segmentation enables standard, lower-cost photodiodes to measure specific wavelength ranges accurately without requiring expensive specialized sensors that can detect the entire spectrum simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical filters with specific transmission characteristics to different detection channels. Each filter is optimized for its specific wavelength range (safe vs. unsafe UV-C), providing local quality optimization that enables precise wavelength differentiation using inexpensive standard photodiodes.
3Ease of manufacture
If colorimetric dosimeter strips are used, then device cost is reduced, but measurement time increases and wavelength differentiation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical colorimetric detection mechanism with electronic photodiode-based optical detection. This substitution enables real-time electronic measurement and processing of UV-C levels, eliminating the time required for chemical reactions and color development while maintaining low device cost through the use of standard photodiodes and filters.
4Use of energy by moving object
If LED sources in UV-C spectrum are used, then energy efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inefficiency in 200-234 nm range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the UV-C spectrum measurement capability through the use of optical filters and photodiodes, rather than relying on expensive or inefficient LED sources at every wavelength. This allows accurate measurement of safe UV-C levels (200-234 nm) even when LED efficiency at these wavelengths is low, by using filters to isolate and detect the specific wavelength range of interest.
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
Enables affordable, accurate, and efficient measurement of UV-C light levels, ensuring worker safety by distinguishing between safe and unsafe exposure, and providing real-time data for improved safety protocols.
Implementation Method 1
a first filter that blocks the UV light having wavelengths below 237 nm down to at least the lower end that the UV sensitive photo diode can detect; a second filter that blocks the UV light having wavelengths above 230 nm up to at least 205 nm
Implementation Method 2
at least one UV sensitive photo diode adapted for detecting the wavelengths of UV light between a lower end and an upper end
Data Source
AI summary
A meter for measuring UV light having wavelengths, preferably between 205 nm and 237 nm. The meter includes at least one UV sensitive photo diode adapted for detecting the wavelengths of UV light between a lower end and an upper end; a first filter that blocks the UV light having wavelengths below 237 nm down to at least the lower end that the UV sensitive photo diode can detect; a second filter that blocks the UV light having wavelengths above 230 nm up to at least 205 nm; at least one amplifier for amplifying a signal from the UV sensitive photo diode; an analog to digital converter; a microprocessor; a battery in electrical communication with the microprocessor. The microprocessor preferably being in communication with the amplifier and the analog to digital converter. The microprocessor provides a result for the UV light that the UV sensitive photo diode is exposed to.