UV Light Guide Structure for Narrow-Area Microbe Inactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultraviolet sterilization devices struggle to effectively inactivate microbes or viruses in a narrow, localized area due to wide-area irradiation and inefficient light extraction from light-emitting tubes.
Innovation Solution
A bacteria or viruses inactivation device with a light guide body that directs ultraviolet light from a first light source with a wavelength of 200-240 nm through a housing body, projecting it outside for targeted irradiation, and includes an optical filter to reduce harmful wavelengths and a flexible cover for the emission end to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a light extraction surface is provided in a housing to emit ultraviolet light, then a wide area is irradiated with ultraviolet light, but it is difficult to inactivate microbes or viruses in a narrow, localized area
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the irradiation function by separating the light source (inside housing) from the light emission point (outside housing via light guide body). This allows the light to be directed to a specific localized area rather than emitting from a wide surface area, resolving the contradiction between wide irradiation coverage and localized precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide body acts as an intermediary component that transfers ultraviolet light from the light source inside the housing to a specific emission point outside the housing. This mediator enables precise localization of the irradiation area while maintaining the light source within the protective housing structure.
2Loss of energy
If conventional light sources are used, then light can be emitted, but light extraction efficiency from the light-emitting tube is low
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide body serves as an intermediary that efficiently couples to the light-emitting tube and extracts light. By optimizing the coupling interface and using the light guide body's optical properties, the system improves light extraction efficiency from the light-emitting tube, reducing energy loss and increasing useful light output.
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 achieves localized inactivation of bacteria and viruses with reduced risk to human health by focusing ultraviolet light on specific areas and minimizing harmful wavelengths, while enhancing light extraction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide body that has an elongated shape and guides the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source in a longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
an optical filter to reduce harmful wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
a discharge lamp including: a light-emitting tube formed of a dielectric material and having an inside filled with a light-emitting gas
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a device capable of irradiating a narrower area than ever before with ultraviolet light to inactivate bacteria or viruses. This device includes a first light source that emits ultraviolet light having a principal wavelength band overlapping a range of 200 nm or more and less than 240 nm; a housing body that houses the first light source; and a light guide body that has an elongated shape and guides the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source in a longitudinal direction, part of the light guide body, including a first end that is an end on a side close to the light source, being positioned in the housing body. The light guide body is disposed in such a manner that the second end, which is an end on a side opposite to the first end, projects outside the housing body.