UV LED Display Box with Optical Collimator for Gemstone Fluorescence
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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 a 60° angle and focused using an optical collimator to emit a collimated beam of 365 nm radiation, which is hidden from view, is used to enhance the fluorescence of gemstones by positioning the gemstone directly in the path of the focused radiation, ensuring minimal energy dissipation and avoiding damage to the box.
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 contradiction by creating a compact, self-contained device that delivers strong UV illumination for fluorescence visibility while maintaining simplicity through integration rather than separate complex inspection equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical ultraviolet inspection lights with an LED-based optical system. The UV LED emits ultraviolet radiation that is collimated through a parabolic lens to create a focused beam on the gemstone. This substitution of mechanical/optical systems with semiconductor LED technology reduces device complexity while maintaining or improving fluorescence visibility
2Illumination intensity
If high-powered ultraviolet radiation is focused on the gemstone, then the fluorescence intensity is improved, but the risk of damage to the box and energy dissipation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by focusing ultraviolet radiation precisely on the gemstone surface through an optical collimator with a parabolic lens. The UV beam is concentrated into a tight spot exactly where needed, creating intense fluorescence at the target location while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding areas, including the box structure. This localized application resolves the contradiction between high fluorescence intensity and damage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The optical collimator acts as an intermediary between the UV LED and the gemstone. It shapes and directs the ultraviolet radiation into a focused beam, controlling where the energy is delivered. This intermediary component enables precise energy targeting, achieving strong fluorescence while protecting the box by preventing stray UV radiation from damaging surrounding surfaces
3Illumination intensity
If the LED assembly is mounted at an angle to focus radiation on the gemstone, then the fluorescence display is improved, but the device complexity and alignment precision worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by mounting the UV LED assembly at a specific angled orientation (not perpendicular) to the gemstone holder. This asymmetric mounting angle optimizes the path of ultraviolet radiation through the optical collimator to achieve focused illumination on the gemstone surface. The asymmetric design resolves the contradiction by enabling effective fluorescence display through optimized light paths while the angled mounting becomes a standardized design feature rather than a precision alignment requirement
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 effectively highlights the fluorescence of gemstones, creating a striking and unique visual effect that enhances the perceived value of the stones, allowing consumers to appreciate their rarity and uniqueness, while maintaining a sleek and ambient-friendly presentation.
Implementation Method 1
a 3 watt 365 nm ultraviolet LED diode disposed on the LED circuit
Implementation Method 2
under ultraviolet light, the phosphors may fluoresce in shades of orange, blue, yellow or green
Implementation Method 3
Fluorescence refers to the property of a substance to emit light through absorbed UV radiation
Implementation Method 4
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.