Multi-Wavelength UV Curing Lamp with Flexible Neck
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current curing lamps for windshield repairs are limited in their ability to effectively cure repair materials through glass or plastic surfaces, particularly when UV-blocking materials are present, and lack flexibility in positioning, which restricts access and efficiency during the repair process.
Innovation Solution
A curing lamp apparatus with a suction cup base and a flexible neck, featuring a lamp element that emits UV light at multiple wavelengths, including 365 and 395 nanometers, allowing for flexible positioning and the ability to cure resin from the opposite side of the windshield, and incorporating a heat sink for cooling and a rechargeable battery with control circuitry for timed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single wavelength UV light source is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to cure resin through UV-blocking windshield materials is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple UV light sources with different wavelengths (365nm and 395nm) into a single lamp element assembly. This merging allows the device to emit multiple wavelengths simultaneously, enabling it to cure resin through various windshield materials including UV-blocking materials, while maintaining a unified structural design that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lamp element is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both 365nm and 395nm UV LEDs. The 365nm wavelength cures resin directly, while the 395nm wavelength penetrates UV-blocking windshield materials to cure resin from the exterior. This universal design allows a single device to handle multiple curing scenarios and different windshield types.
2Productivity
If the lamp is positioned close to the crack for effective curing, then the curing efficiency is improved, but the accessibility to hard-to-reach areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flexible neck mechanism that allows the lamp head to be dynamically positioned and angled. This dynamic positioning capability enables the operator to reach difficult-to-access crack locations while maintaining the lamp head in optimal proximity to the resin for effective curing. The flexibility resolves the contradiction between needing close positioning for efficiency and needing accessibility for operation.
3Reliability
If UV light at 365nm is used for curing, then the curing effectiveness is improved, but sunlight damage to vehicle interior occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different wavelengths for different purposes: 365nm UV light is directed through the flexible neck to the crack location for effective resin curing, while 395nm UV light is emitted toward the windshield interior to prevent UV-blocking material degradation. This localized application of different wavelengths ensures both curing effectiveness and protection of the vehicle interior from harmful UV exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible neck acts as an intermediary that directs and controls the path of UV light. It enables the 365nm curing light to reach the resin through precise positioning while allowing the 395nm protective light to be directed toward the windshield interior, thus mediating between the curing function and the protective function to prevent sunlight damage.
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 efficient curing of repair materials through UV-blocking windshields by utilizing the 395 nanometer wavelength, providing greater flexibility in positioning and access during repairs, while ensuring effective curing and reducing sunlight damage to the vehicle's interior.
Implementation Method 1
The lamp element includes a first UV light source emitting UV light at a first wavelength, and a second UV light source emitting UV light at a second wavelength
Implementation Method 2
Often the repair material needs to be cured with an ultraviolet (UV) light source
Implementation Method 3
a suction cup engageable with the work surface
Implementation Method 4
the lamp head includes a heat sink
Data Source
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AI summary
A curing lamp apparatus mounts to a work surface with a suction cup. A base is mounted to the suction cup. A flexible neck extends from the base to the lamp head. The lamp head includes a lamp element with first and second UV light sources which emit UV light at different wavelengths. A control circuit is located in the base. A heat sink is provided on the lamp head including a conductive plate and projecting pins. A protective housing encloses the plate and pins. A timing circuit controls the light source for automatic shut off. External or internal power is provided for the control circuit.