UVC LED Chip with Spectral Filter for Intracorporeal Antisepsis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UV antisepsis methods are insufficient for decolonizing multiresistant pathogens (MRPs) like MRSA and MRSE, especially in inaccessible body regions, due to the risk of damaging healthy tissue and the complexity of UV radiation guidance in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A device using a UVC LED chip with a spectral filter element to emit radiation below 235 nm, specifically designed for directional and targeted intracorporeal UV antisepsis, minimizing tissue damage by utilizing short-wave UVC radiation that is largely absorbed in the skin's upper layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UVC radiation with wavelengths ≤230 nm is used for killing pathogens, then the antiseptic effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of wave guidance and large-area irradiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical wave guidance systems with a simpler LED-based illumination system. Instead of using traditional UV lamps requiring complex mirrors and lenses to guide radiation, the invention uses LED chips with integrated optics that directly emit and shape the UV light, eliminating the need for complex mechanical wave guidance components while maintaining effective pathogen destruction
Solution Approach 2:
The LED module integrates multiple functions into a single component: the LED chip provides UV radiation for pathogen killing, the lens array enables large-area uniform irradiation, and the housing provides structural support and heat dissipation. This multi-functional integration simplifies the overall system while achieving effective antiseptic results
2Area of stationary object
If conventional UV lamps are used for sterilization, then the radiation coverage is sufficient, but the thermal radiation and heat evolution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental radiation source from thermal UV lamps to LED technology, which operates at lower temperatures. The LED chips convert electrical energy directly to UV light with minimal thermal byproduct, unlike conventional lamps that generate significant heat. This parameter change in the radiation mechanism allows for large-area coverage without excessive thermal radiation, making the system suitable for clinical applications where heat could damage tissue
3Reliability
If UVC radiation is applied to kill pathogens on skin, then the decolonization effectiveness is improved, but the damage to healthy human tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs lens arrays that create localized irradiation zones with controlled intensity distribution. Each lens focuses UV radiation onto specific areas, allowing selective treatment of pathogen-infected regions while minimizing exposure of surrounding healthy tissue. This local quality control enables effective decolonization while reducing harmful effects on healthy human tissue through spatially differentiated radiation delivery
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
Enables effective decolonization of MRPs in hard-to-reach areas without causing significant harm to human tissue, with controlled irradiation doses and reduced thermal effects, allowing for safer and more efficient UV antisepsis in clinical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a spectral filter element, set up to restrict the radiation emitted by the LED chip substantially to wavelengths below 235 nm
Implementation Method 2
a light-emitting diode chip, LED chip, configured to emit radiation in the UVC spectral range
Implementation Method 3
the LED chip forms a light-emitting diode, LED
Implementation Method 4
an optical element for directional emission of the radiation emitted by the LED
Implementation Method 5
In UV antisepsis, the applied radiation causes irreversible damage to the genetic information of bacteria and viruses resulting in the breakdown of their metabolic processes
Implementation Method 6
shortwave radiation with wavelengths of ≤230 nm does not penetrate deeply into the skin, mucosa or wounds due to high absorption in the upper skin layers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for UV antisepsis, in particular for intracorporeal in vivo UV antisepsis on the human and animal body in the event of colonization with multiresistant pathogens (MRPs) such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE). The device comprises a light emitting diode chip, LED chip, configured to emit radiation in the UVC spectral range, wherein the LED chip forms a light emitting diode, LED, with a package; a spectral filter element set up to limit the radiation emitted by the LED chip substantially to wavelengths below 235 nm; and an optical element for directional emission of the radiation emitted by the LED.