Ultraviolet gemstone display box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display methods for gemstones with naturally occurring phosphors do not effectively showcase their fluorescence, leading to a perceived negative value and resulting in significant discounts, as ultraviolet inspection lights are not used in retail settings due to ambient lighting issues and customer perception.
Innovation Solution
A display box with a compact ultraviolet LED assembly, mounted at an angle, and an optical collimator to focus the radiation to a narrow beam, which is hidden from view, allowing the gemstone to emit a corona of strong visible fluorescence without visible radiation sources, powered by a lithium-ion battery and managed by a programmable chipset for thermal and display control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If ultraviolet inspection lights are used to display gemstone fluorescence, then the fluorescence visibility is improved, but the device complexity and ambient lighting compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ultraviolet LED light source, optical collimator, and gemstone holder into a single integrated display box assembly. This merging of components resolves the technical contradiction by providing effective UV illumination for fluorescence display while containing the complexity within a compact, unified device that can be used in ambient retail lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the optical collimator is positioned within the display box, and the gemstone holder is nested within the box cavity. The UV LED assembly is integrated into the box structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that achieves effective fluorescence illumination without increasing overall device complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If high-powered ultraviolet radiation is focused directly onto the gemstone, then the fluorescence intensity is improved, but the risk of radiation exposure to other surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using an optical collimator to focus ultraviolet radiation into a narrow beam that is precisely directed only at the gemstone. This localized concentration of UV energy enhances fluorescence intensity at the target while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding surfaces, resolving the technical contradiction between fluorescence intensity and harmful radiation effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical collimator acts as an intermediary device that takes the divergent UV radiation from the LED and transforms it into a focused, directional beam. This intermediary optical element enables precise control of radiation distribution, concentrating energy where needed (on the gemstone) while protecting surrounding areas from excessive exposure.
3Reliability
If the ultraviolet LED assembly is made visible, then the radiation source can be seen, but the aesthetic appearance and customer experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by separating the visual appearance function from the radiation emission function. The UV LED assembly is positioned and configured to emit ultraviolet radiation effectively while remaining visually hidden or minimized in the display box. This allows the radiation source to perform its function reliably while not detracting from the aesthetic presentation of the gemstone fluorescence to customers.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical collimator serves as an intermediary that enables the UV LED assembly to be positioned in a way that optimizes radiation delivery to the gemstone while minimizing the visibility of the LED itself. The collimator focuses the radiation forward toward the gemstone, allowing the LED to be placed in a location that is functionally effective but aesthetically concealed within the box structure.
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 display box enhances the visibility and uniqueness of gemstones with fluorescence, providing a striking and eye-catching experience for buyers by focusing high-intensity ultraviolet radiation directly onto the gemstone, maintaining spectral integrity and avoiding radiation exposure to other surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
Fluorescence refers to the property of a substance to emit light through absorbed UV radiation, while exposed to the source of the UV radiation
Implementation Method 2
a 3 watt 365 nm ultraviolet LED diode disposed on the LED circuit
Implementation Method 3
an optical collimator having a parabolic lens to focus the emitted LED radiation to a less than 15° spread
Data Source
AI summary
A display box displays the fluorescence of a gemstone having naturally occurring phosphors. The box has a top portion hinged with a bottom portion. A compact ultraviolet LED assembly is mounted at a mounting angle in the insert in a cavity of the top portion. The LED assembly has: an LED circuit; a 3 watt 365 nm ultraviolet LED diode disposed on the LED circuit; and an optical collimator having a parabolic lens to focus the emitted LED radiation to a less than 15° spread. A compact battery for powering the LED assembly is provided in a recess of the bottom portion. A central holder/deck holds the gemstone in a direct path of the emitted collimated LED radiation of the LED assembly. In operation, the gemstone seated in the central holder/deck emits a corona of strong visible fluorescence while the ultraviolet radiation and the LED assembly are not seen.