UV LED Sterilization with Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultraviolet-based sterilization systems using mercury lamps are fragile, bulky, and pose safety concerns due to mercury toxicity, with limited portability and control over radiation spectrum, leading to inefficient sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising ultraviolet radiation sources and wave guiding structures with high ultraviolet reflection coefficients, combined with a computer system to direct and control UV radiation, ensuring a targeted dose is delivered effectively to surfaces, replacing mercury lamps with UV LEDs for improved safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mercury lamps are used for ultraviolet sterilization, then sterilization capability is achieved, but the system becomes fragile, bulky, and unsafe due to mercury toxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful mercury component from the sterilization system by replacing mercury lamps with UV LEDs, thereby removing the source of mercury toxicity and fragility while preserving the sterilization function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the light source from mercury-based arc discharge to LED electroluminescence, operating in the 200-280nm UV range to achieve effective sterilization without mercury contamination
2Reliability
If mercury lamps are used, then sterilization function is provided, but portability and transportability are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy and fragile mercury lamp components, replacing them with lightweight UV LEDs that enable portable and transportable sterilization devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts UV LEDs which, while having finite lifetime, are replaceable and enable portable designs that are more suitable for field applications compared to long-lived but fragile mercury lamps
3Reliability
If mercury lamps are used, then radiation is produced, but the radiation spectrum cannot be adjusted or controlled to match DNA absorption peaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameters by selecting UV LEDs with specific wavelength emissions (200-280nm) that closely match the absorption peaks of DNA and proteins, thereby optimizing sterilization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback control through computer systems that monitor and adjust UV radiation delivery to ensure optimal dosing and spectrum utilization for maximum sterilization effect
4Reliability
If mercury lamps are used, then sterilization is achieved, but the operating lifetime is limited to less than 10,000 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using UV LEDs which can operate for tens of thousands of hours, significantly extending the service life compared to mercury lamps while maintaining sterilization effectiveness
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 system provides a safer, more portable, and efficient method for sterilization, with longer operational life and precise control over UV parameters, enhancing sterilization efficiency by aligning radiation with specific bio-structure absorption spectra.
Implementation Method 1
The main unit of these ultraviolet systems is a source of ultraviolet radiation having wavelength(s) close to the absorption peaks of biologically significant molecules of DNA and proteins. The system can sterilize a medium to a safe condition providing the power of the ultraviolet source and an exposure time are sufficient to destroy the internal biomolecular structure of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and germs.
Implementation Method 2
The set of wave guiding structures can include at least one ultraviolet reflective surface having an ultraviolet reflection coefficient of at least thirty percent.
Implementation Method 3
a source of ultraviolet radiation having wavelength(s) close to the absorption peaks of biologically significant molecules of DNA and proteins
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sterilizing at least one surface of an object is provided. The system includes a set of ultraviolet radiation sources and a set of wave guiding structures configured to direct ultraviolet radiation having a set of target attributes to a desired location on at least one surface of the object. The set of wave guiding structures can include at least one ultraviolet reflective surface having an ultraviolet reflection coefficient of at least thirty percent. Furthermore, the system can include a computer system for operating the ultraviolet radiation sources to deliver a target dose of ultraviolet radiation to the at least one target surface of the object.