UV-C LED Array Control for Mask Sterilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilization technologies face challenges in effectively and efficiently sterilizing surfaces and air against pathogens like viruses and bacteria, particularly in dynamic environments and varying conditions, with limited control over UV-C light intensity and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A UV-C generation device with multiple UV-C LEDs positioned around a work area, controlled by a flexible printed circuit board, allowing for independent regulation of LED intensity and operation, integrated with heat sinks, fans, and sensors to optimize sterilization efficacy across different temperatures, humidity levels, and air flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional UV-C sterilization devices are used, then sterilization function is provided, but control over UV-C light intensity and distribution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The UV-C light source is divided into multiple independently controllable LED modules arranged in an array. Each LED or group of LEDs can be individually controlled to adjust light intensity and distribution patterns, enabling precise control over sterilization zones without requiring a completely complex control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system enables dynamic adjustment of UV-C LED operation, allowing real-time modification of light intensity, duration, and spatial distribution. This dynamic control adapts to different sterilization needs and environmental conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through user-friendly interfaces.
2Reliability
If UV-C LEDs are operated at high intensity, then sterilization efficacy is improved, but lifespan of UV-C sources decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements periodic or pulsed operation of UV-C LEDs, alternating between high-intensity sterilization cycles and lower-intensity or idle periods. This periodic action maintains effective sterilization while reducing thermal accumulation and extending LED lifespan through controlled rest intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as LED duty cycle, pulse width, and intensity levels based on sterilization requirements and source temperature. By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes the balance between achieving sufficient sterilization efficacy and preserving source longevity.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple UV-C LEDs are positioned around the work area, then sterilization coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV-C lighting system is segmented into multiple standardized LED modules or arrays that can be independently controlled. This modular segmentation allows for expanded coverage area while managing complexity through standardized, interchangeable units with consistent control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with universal functionality to manage multiple LED arrays through a single interface, enabling the same control mechanism to operate various configurations and numbers of LEDs. This multi-functional approach expands sterilization coverage without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
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 provides comprehensive and adaptive UV-C sterilization, effectively inactivating pathogens on surfaces and in air, with adjustable intensity and mode settings to ensure high efficacy across varying conditions, extending the lifespan of UV-C sources and improving safety and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
multiple UV-C light emitting diodes ('LEDs') positioned around a work area
Implementation Method 2
the UV-C LEDs may interact with the working substance to, for example, sterilize the working substance
Implementation Method 3
One or more heat sinks may be provided around the UV-C LEDs in order to capture and expel heat from UV-C LEDs away from those UV-C LEDs
Implementation Method 4
A fan, or other device, may be provided to move air through a working area of the UV-C generating device
Data Source
AI summary
A full facial host mask is provided that may have a portion that may be removed and re-mated with the host mask. The removable portion may be, for example, a biological mask (e.g., a UV-C device that may include several UV-C light sources (e.g., UV-C LEDs) and such UV-C LEDs may have UV-C reflecting structures arranged to direct UV-Cina particular direction and at a particular size and shape). The UV-C generating device in the removable satellite mask ay be utilized in the breathing stream to provide a low-air resistance, long duration, high performance mask for biological (e.g., DNA-based, RNA-based, gram-positive bacteria, and gram-negative bacteria). The full facial mask may include mechanical filters (e.g., filters having 300 nm pores or smaller), chemical filters, and/or nuclear particulate filters. In doing so, a single mask may be issued to an entity (e.g., a warfighter) that can provide a full facial mask as well as partial face mask so various mission profiles may be achieved.