UV LED Light Emitting Device with Feedback Control for Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED light emitting devices for sterilization face challenges in maintaining stable light output and center wavelength due to temperature changes and long-term deterioration, making it difficult to detect malfunctions, especially since ultraviolet light emission issues are not visually identifiable.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting device with a main body, a light source, a photodetector, and an intensity adjusting unit that allows real-time monitoring and adjustment of light output, using a light path converting unit and filter member to ensure consistent light emission and detect abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If LED light source is used for sterilization, then compact structure and long lifetime are achieved, but light output and center wavelength vary due to temperature change and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a photodetector continuously monitors the light output of the LED, and a controller adjusts the drive current based on the detected signal to maintain stable light output and center wavelength throughout the LED's operational lifetime
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the drive current parameter of the LED based on real-time feedback from the photodetector to compensate for temperature variations and aging effects, thereby maintaining consistent light output characteristics
2Power
If LED light source is used for sterilization, then high-output UV light is emitted, but heat resistance is poor and thermal damages may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the thermal management function from the optical function by introducing a dedicated heat dissipation structure and thermal interface materials, allowing the LED to operate at high power while managing heat through separate thermal pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces thermal interface materials and heat dissipation structures as intermediary elements between the LED and the housing, facilitating efficient heat transfer away from the LED junction while maintaining high optical output
3Reliability
If UV light is emitted for sterilization, then effective sterilization is achieved, but malfunction is not detectable with naked eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a photodetector as an intermediary sensing device that detects the UV light output and converts it into an electrical signal for monitoring, enabling indirect detection of LED malfunction through the photodetector's response
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback monitoring where the photodetector continuously measures light output and provides signals to the controller to detect abnormalities, allowing real-time identification of LED malfunction through automated monitoring
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 device maintains constant light output and center wavelength, enabling real-time monitoring and detection of abnormalities, ensuring safe and functional UV light emission for sterilization applications.
Implementation Method 1
a photodetector installed in the main body, for receiving part of the light irradiated from the light source and monitoring the intensity of the light source
Implementation Method 2
a light path converting unit installed between the light source and the photodetector, for transferring the part of the light irradiated from the light source to the photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a light emitting device configured to control the light output of a light emitting unit and a curing apparatus employing the same. The disclosed light emitting device may comprise: a main body having a window; a light source installed in the main body, for generating light of a predetermined wavelength and irradiating the generated light to the outside of the main body through the window; a photodetector installed in the main body, for receiving part of the light irradiated from the light source and monitoring the intensity of the light source; a light path converting unit installed between the light source and the photodetector, for transferring the part of the light irradiated from the light source to the photodetector; and an intensity adjusting unit for adjusting the intensity of the light source based on the signal detected from the photodetector.