UV Lamp EMI Cover Grid for High Light Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current EMI reducing solutions for UV lamp assemblies in aircraft and other EMI-sensitive vehicles obstruct UV light transmission, as they are designed to suppress electromagnetic interference by blocking or reflecting UV light back towards the source.
Innovation Solution
An EMI reducing cover with a grid structure comprising thin, spaced beams that allow at least 90% open space, formed from reflective materials, and configured to maximize UV light passage while minimizing EMI, by using a grid structure with beams that are thin and spaced to allow UV light to pass through while reflecting it away from the UV light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a Faraday cage is used to suppress EMI, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but UV light transmission is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The Faraday cage is segmented into a grid structure with beams spaced apart to create open spaces. This segmentation allows UV light to pass through the gaps between beams while the metallic beams continue to provide EMI shielding. The grid pattern divides the solid barrier into discrete elements that can simultaneously achieve both EMI suppression and light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cover have different properties: the beams provide EMI shielding while the open spaces between beams allow UV light transmission. The reflective material on the beams specifically targets EMI frequencies while being transparent to UV wavelengths, creating local quality differences that resolve the contradiction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a wire mesh or grid cover is used to reduce EMI, then electromagnetic interference is suppressed, but UV light is reflected back toward the source
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using absorptive materials that would trap UV light, the invention uses reflective materials that bounce UV light forward through the grid openings. The reflection is directed away from the light source and toward the exterior, inverting the typical concern about reflection and turning it into a beneficial effect that enhances light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective properties of the beam material are optimized for specific wavelengths. The material and surface treatment are selected to reflect UV light in beneficial directions while maintaining EMI shielding capabilities, changing the optical parameters to resolve the contradiction between EMI suppression and UV transmission.
3Strength
If the grid beams are made thicker to improve structural strength, then structural integrity is enhanced, but UV light transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The beam thickness is optimized to provide sufficient structural strength without excessive material. The beams are made thick enough to maintain structural integrity and provide effective EMI shielding, but thin enough to allow maximum UV light transmission through the gaps. This partial action approach finds the optimal middle ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural strength is enhanced not just by increasing beam thickness (one dimension) but by optimizing the overall grid geometry, beam spacing, and pattern arrangement (multiple dimensions). This multi-dimensional approach allows maintaining strength while minimizing light blockage.
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 effectively reduces EMI while maintaining high UV light transmission, meeting FAA requirements and ensuring effective disinfection with reduced power consumption, and provides a safe barrier for the UV light source.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of structural beams are formed of a reflective material... the at least one surface includes a reflective material that facilitates reflecting at least some of the UV light through the one or more light openings
Data Source
AI summary
An ultraviolet (UV) light sanitizing system includes an electromagnetic interference (EMI) reducing cover configured to couple to a housing of a UV lamp assembly having a UV light source that is configured to emit UV light through a light outlet of the housing. The EMI reducing cover is further configured to be disposed one or more of within, below, or over the light outlet. The EMI reducing cover includes one or more grids including beams and light openings defined between the beams. The light openings provide open areas through which the UV light emitted from the UV light source passes, and wherein the EMI reducing cover includes at least 90% open space. In at least one embodiment, the beams include at least one surface that is transverse to a direction of the UV light that is to be emitted from the UV light source. In at least one embodiment, wherein the EMI reducing cover includes an interior grid and an exterior grid.