UV Light Intensity Uniformity Control via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current controlled lighting systems for plants and light-sensitive objects lack the ability to optimize light intensity distribution uniformly across surfaces, leading to variations that can impact growth and safety, particularly in environments like greenhouses and food storage containers.
Innovation Solution
A smart lighting system that incorporates an array of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation sources, along with light sensors and a controller, to detect and adjust light intensity in real-time, ensuring a predetermined light intensity distribution pattern is maintained across the surface, using feedback from sensors to adjust the power of radiation sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional lighting systems are used without feedback control, then the system structure is simple, but the light intensity distribution across the surface is non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where light sensors detect the actual light intensity at the surface, the controller compares this with the target intensity distribution, and adjusts the radiation sources accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by achieving uniform light intensity distribution (improving manufacturing precision) while accepting increased system complexity through the addition of sensors and control logic.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple radiation sources are used to improve coverage, then the light intensity distribution becomes more uniform, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of multiple radiation sources, where each source's power is independently adjusted based on real-time feedback from light sensors. The controller modulates the intensity of individual LED modules to achieve uniform overall distribution, allowing the system to use multiple sources efficiently without excessive energy consumption by optimizing each source's contribution dynamically.
3Measurement precision
If real-time feedback control is implemented, then light intensity precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into discrete, independently controllable LED modules with associated light sensors and control circuits. Each module segment can be controlled individually, allowing precise measurement and adjustment of light intensity at different locations. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by achieving high measurement precision through distributed sensing while managing complexity through modular architecture.
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 uniform light intensity distribution, optimizing plant growth and food safety by preventing microbial growth, extending shelf life, and maintaining food quality through precise control of light exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light sensors configured to measure light intensity at the surface of the object
Data Source
AI summary
An approach for controlling ultraviolet intensity over a surface of a light sensitive object is described. Aspects involve using ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength range that includes ultraviolet-A and ultraviolet-B radiation to irradiate the surface. Light sensors measure light intensity at the surface, wherein each sensor measures light intensity in a wavelength range that corresponds to a wavelength range emitted from at least one of the sources. A controller controls the light intensity over the surface by adjusting the power of the sources as a function of the light intensity measurements. The controller uses the light intensity measurements to determine whether each source is illuminating the surface with an intensity that is within an acceptable variation with a predetermined intensity value targeted for the surface. The controller adjusts the power of the sources as a function of the variation to ensure an optimal distribution of light intensity over the surface.