UV-C LED Antifouling System for Underwater Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preventing biofouling on underwater objects, such as sensors and rudders, are ineffective and pose health risks due to the use of anti-fouling paints that lose efficacy quickly and require hazardous handling.

Innovation Solution

An internal ultraviolet-C light emitting diode (LED) antifouling system using a waterproof, light transmissible potted enclosure with ultraviolet-C LEDs that emit light to prevent biofouling, eliminating the need for harmful chemicals and ensuring safer operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If anti-fouling paint is used to prevent biofouling, then initial protection is provided, but effectiveness is lost after about 12 months and health hazards are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiofouling prevention effectivenessVSAvoidpaint effectiveness duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical anti-fouling paint with a physical UV-C LED light source that emits ultraviolet light to prevent biofouling. This substitution eliminates the need for chemical coatings that degrade over time, providing a durable, long-lasting solution that maintains effectiveness without the health hazards of paint handling and application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from chemical parameters (paint composition, curing processes) to physical parameters (UV-C light wavelength, intensity, and emission duration). The UV-C LEDs operate at specific wavelengths that are effective against marine organisms, providing continuous protection without the time-limited effectiveness of paint coatings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If anti-fouling paint is used, then biofouling is prevented initially, but health risks and environmental hazards are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiofouling prevention effectivenessVSAvoidhealth and environmental hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful UV-C radiation, which can be damaging to living organisms, into a beneficial antifouling mechanism. By controlling the emission through waterproof enclosures and timing it during deployment, the system uses UV-C's ability to damage microbial DNA to prevent biofouling, while the LED technology makes this process more energy-efficient and controllable than traditional chemical methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If UV-C LEDs are used for antifouling, then safety and environmental benefits are achieved, but waterproof enclosure and light transmission requirements increase device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehealth and environmental safetyVSAvoidwaterproof enclosure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the UV-C LED and its driver electronics inside a waterproof enclosure that is itself attached to or integrated with the sensor housing. This nested structure protects the electrical components from water while allowing UV-C light to transmit through the enclosure wall to prevent biofouling on the sensor surface, effectively solving both protection and functionality requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof enclosure acts as an intermediary between the UV-C LED and the external environment. It selectively transmits UV-C light wavelengths while blocking water and other environmental factors from reaching the electronic components, thus mediating between the need for light transmission and water protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system effectively prevents biofouling on underwater objects, ensuring reliable data acquisition and reducing environmental hazards by using blinking ultraviolet-C LEDs that are power-efficient and long-lasting.

Implementation Method 1

at least one ultraviolet-C light emitting diode disposed within the waterproof, light transmissible enclosure, wherein the at least one ultraviolet-C light emitting diode is configured to emit light on the object, wherein the light is configured to prevent biofouling on the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet-C light emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11426476B2Internal ultraviolet LED antifouling

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

An internal ultraviolet-C light emitting diode antifouling system and method that include a waterproof, light transmissible potted enclosure; an object disposed within the waterproof, light transmissible potted enclosure; and at least one ultraviolet-C light emitting diode disposed within the waterproof, light transmissible enclosure, wherein the at least one ultraviolet-C light emitting diode is configured to emit light on the object, wherein the light is configured to prevent biofouling on the object.