UV Filter Protects Visible Light Source in Dual-Source Lighting Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting assemblies that emit both visible and UV light have a short lifespan due to the degradation of light sources caused by UV exposure, leading to premature malfunction.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a UV filter in the optical path between the UV light source and the visible light source to absorb or reflect UV light, preventing it from reaching the visible light source while allowing UV emission into the ambient, thus protecting the light source and extending its lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the lighting assembly emits both visible light and UV light without protection, then the UV light can be emitted into the ambient for health benefits, but the UV light degrades the light sources causing short lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifespan of lighting assemblyVSAvoidUV-induced degradation of light source
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A UV filter is introduced as an intermediary component in the optical path between the UV light source and the visible light source. This filter selectively blocks UV wavelengths while transmitting visible light wavelengths, thereby protecting the visible light source from UV degradation without preventing the emission of beneficial UV light into the ambient environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical path is segmented into different wavelength zones using the UV filter. The filter creates a wavelength-selective barrier that separates UV radiation from visible light, allowing each type of light to serve its function independently - UV light for health benefits and visible light for illumination - while preventing harmful interactions between them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of moving object

If a UV filter is added to protect the visible light source, then the lifespan is extended, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifespan of lighting assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of lighting assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The UV filter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the visible light source from UV degradation, allows visible light to pass through for illumination, and permits UV light to reach the ambient environment for health benefits. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution significantly extends the lifespan of the lighting assembly by preventing UV-induced degradation, ensuring reliable and long-lasting emission of both visible and UV light for illumination and health benefits.

Implementation Method 1

The UV filter is for allowing a transmission of visible light and for absorbing or reflecting UV light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The UV filter is for allowing a transmission of visible light and for absorbing or reflecting UV light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The first light source comprises a light emitter and one or more luminescent materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLuminescence: Luminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3326213B1A lighting assembly with a UV protected light source that emits visible light
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3326213B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3326213B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3326213B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A lighting assembly (1000), a lamp and a luminaire are provided. The lighting assembly comprises a first light source (110), a second light source (108) and an UV filter (104). The first light source emits in operation visible light (112). The second light source emits in operation UV light (108). The UV filter allows a transmission of visible light and absorbs or reflects UV light. The UV filter is arranged in an optical path from the second light source towards the first light source to prevent the UV light to impinge on the first light source while allowing the emission of the UV light into the ambient of the lighting assembly.