Low Profile UV Light Delivery System with Parabolic Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light delivery systems, particularly those using UV light for surface disinfection, face challenges in achieving uniform intensity distribution, leading to 'hot spots' and 'cold spots' on surfaces, which complicates efficient disinfection and can be aesthetically and practically undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile UV light delivery system utilizing a longitudinal parabolic reflector with anisotropic properties to distribute energy from LEDs uniformly over a target surface, allowing for customizable orientation and adjustable parameters to ensure effective disinfection across various surface sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a higher number of lower power light sources are used to achieve uniform distribution, then uniformity of light distribution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the target surface into multiple zones with different light intensity requirements. By segmenting the surface area, the system can apply different power levels to different regions, achieving overall uniform distribution without requiring multiple high-power light sources. This reduces device complexity while maintaining illumination uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different power levels to different light sources based on their position relative to the target surface. Light sources closer to the surface operate at lower power, while those farther away operate at higher power. This localized adjustment of quality (intensity) achieves uniform distribution without increasing the total number of components.
2Illumination intensity
If advanced optics are used to evenly diffuse UV light, then uniformity of light distribution is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of existing light sources rather than introducing complex optical diffusion components. By adjusting the power output of individual LEDs based on their position, the system achieves uniform light distribution without requiring expensive advanced optics. This parameter-based approach maintains ease of manufacture while improving illumination uniformity.
3Illumination intensity
If the light source is moved further away from the target surface to enhance energy distribution, then uniformity is improved, but the light blocks the field of view and motion of operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning multiple low-power light sources close to the target surface rather than moving a single source farther away. Each light source operates at optimized power levels for its specific location, achieving uniform distribution while maintaining a low profile that does not obstruct operator view or motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single distant light source to multiple close light sources distributed across the target surface. This dimensional redistribution of light sources allows each source to operate at low power (avoiding obstruction) while collectively providing uniform illumination across the entire surface area.
4Area of stationary object
If high angles to the treated surface are used, then coverage area is improved, but the number of LEDs required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the target surface into multiple treatment zones, each served by a low-power LED positioned close to the surface. This segmentation allows coverage of large areas without requiring high angles or excessive numbers of LEDs, as each segment is efficiently treated by its dedicated low-power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple low-power LEDs operating at partial power levels rather than fewer high-power LEDs at high angles. This partial action approach, where each LED operates below its maximum capacity, achieves sufficient coverage area while reducing the total number of components needed and simplifying the overall device structure.
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 achieves a highly uniform UV intensity field, enabling quick disinfection of surfaces with reduced energy usage and longer LED life, while being adaptable to different sizes and applications, including high-traffic areas like kiosks and touchscreens.
Implementation Method 1
A low-profile UV light delivery system utilizing a longitudinal parabolic reflector with anisotropic properties to distribute energy from LEDs uniformly over a target surface
Data Source
AI summary
A low profile disinfection and delivery system that utilizes a channel lighting system with a parabolic multifunctional anisotropic reflector for effectively distributing the power of UV LEDs. The channel lighting system delivers specific energy patterns to the target surface. The channel lighting system can be provided as a more integrated UV delivery system. The homogenous delivery and distribution of patterned energy enables better use and efficiency of the available UV LED power.