UV-C Light Emitting Device Dual Wavelength Sanitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light emitting devices are inadequate in efficiently and safely inactivating or reducing pathogenic bioburden in environments, as they often fail to provide effective UV-C radiation coverage and safety considerations.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting device that emits UV-C radiation downward and upward with specific peak wavelengths, utilizing various light sources such as excimer lamps, microcavity plasma arrays, and LEDs, and includes features like optical filters, wavelength conversion materials, and angular light modifiers to optimize pathogen reduction while ensuring safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV-C radiation is emitted downward to inactivate pathogens in the environment, then pathogen reduction effectiveness is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential human exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments UV-C radiation into two distinct wavelength bands: 222nm for downward emission to inactivate pathogens in the environment, and 254nm for upward emission to sanitize the ceiling. This segmentation allows each wavelength to serve its specific function while minimizing harmful exposure to humans, as 222nm radiation is less harmful to human tissue than traditional 254nm radiation when used in controlled environments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the device emit different wavelengths tailored to their specific functions: the downward-facing emitter uses 222nm UV-C for environmental sanitation with reduced human exposure risk, while the upward-facing emitter uses 254nm UV-C for ceiling sanitation. This local quality optimization ensures each region receives the appropriate wavelength for its intended purpose.
2Reliability
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used to optimize pathogen reduction, then inactivation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple light sources (first light sources emitting 222nm UV-C and second light sources emitting 254nm UV-C) into a single integrated fixture with a common housing and power supply. This merging approach allows the system to achieve enhanced inactivation effectiveness through multiple wavelengths while avoiding the complexity of completely separate devices, as the components share common structural and electrical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it sanitizes the environment downward with 222nm UV-C, sanitizes the ceiling upward with 254nm UV-C, and provides visible light indication through integrated visible light sources. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single device structure, improving inactivation effectiveness without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If upward UV-C radiation is emitted to sanitize the ceiling, then overall sanitation coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system enables periodic or cyclic operation where the upward 254nm UV-C emission and downward 222nm UV-C emission can be activated in sequences or simultaneously based on sanitation needs. This periodic action allows the system to achieve comprehensive sanitation coverage while managing energy consumption by activating different emitters at different times rather than requiring continuous operation of all components.
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 effectively inactivates and reduces pathogenic bioburden by providing targeted UV-C radiation coverage, enhancing safety through controlled exposure and visibility indicators, thus improving environmental sanitation.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more first light sources may include one or more light emitting diodes
Implementation Method 2
The one or more first light sources may include one or more excimer lamps
Implementation Method 3
The one or more first light sources may include one or more microcavity plasma arrays
Implementation Method 4
The light emitting device may include one or more wavelength conversion materials
Implementation Method 5
The light emitting device may include one or more optical filters
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a light emitting device comprises one or more first light sources emitting UV-C light downward to irradiate the environment below the light emitting device (such as air and the floor and other surfaces). In another embodiment, the light emitting device comprises one or more second light sources emitting UV-C light of a different peak wavelength than the first light sources oriented to emit light upward to irradiate the environment above the light emitting device (such as air, the ceiling, and other surfaces). In one embodiment, one or more first light sources and the one or more second light sources emit light at different, independent duty cycles.