UV LED Device with Malfunction Detection and Automatic Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for emitting non-visible radiation, such as UV or IR, do not readily indicate malfunctions like fluctuating intensity or flickering, making it difficult to ensure reliable operation during inspections or processes like drying or curing.
Innovation Solution
A device with a detection system that automatically shuts down the entire LED system or specific circuits upon detecting malfunctions, such as reduced luminosity, flickering, or wavelength changes, using sensors for temperature, current, voltage, and radiation intensity monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light-emitting diodes are used to emit non-visible radiation (UV/IR), then the device can perform inspection and processing functions, but malfunctions such as fluctuating intensity or flickering are not readily detectable by human operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a detection device that continuously monitors operating parameters (current, voltage, temperature) and radiation intensity of the LEDs, providing real-time feedback about the operational state. When deviations from normal operation are detected, the system generates warnings or automatically shuts down, enabling operators to detect and respond to malfunctions that would otherwise be invisible to human observers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection device and control unit that acts as a mediator between the radiation-emitting LEDs and the human operator. This intermediary system translates invisible electrical and optical parameters into detectable warning signals, allowing operators to indirectly monitor the health of the LED system without directly observing the non-visible radiation.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring and automatic shutdown systems are implemented, then malfunction detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the operation of the radiation sources, monitors operating parameters, detects malfunctions, generates warnings, and executes shutdown procedures. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring and protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection device, control unit, and shutdown mechanism into an integrated system where multiple components work together as a unified whole. The detection device monitors parameters, the control unit processes this information and executes control functions, and the shutdown mechanism responds to warnings - all merged into a cohesive system that manages LED operation and safety.
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
Ensures reliable operation by preventing defects or incomplete processes due to malfunctions, allowing for continuous monitoring and immediate shutdown to maintain quality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation medium which is formed by at least one light-emitting diode, preferably by several light-emitting diodes, and which emits radiation only in non-visible wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a device for detecting a malfunction of the light-emitting diode... using sensors for temperature, current, voltage, and radiation intensity monitoring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for emitting electromagnetic radiation, in particular UV radiation, comprising at least one radiating means (2) which only emits radiation at visible wavelengths. According to the invention, the device comprises a unit for detecting a functional error of the radiating means. In practice, the radiating means (2) is provided for emitting only UV radiation and/or IR radiation and is formed by a light diode. In an embodiment of the invention, the detection unit (3) is designed to continuously monitor the radiating means (2) for functional errors, and the device (1) comprises an open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit (4) which is provided to automatically switch off the radiating means (2) and/or display the functional error, upon detection of the functional error by the detection unit (3).