Omnidirectional UV Light Source Apparatus with Segmented LED Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep ultraviolet light sources for sterilization, such as UVC-LEDs, are often bulky, have low luminous density per unit, poor directivity, and require high driving voltage, while also being harmful to the environment due to mercury content, necessitating a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution.
Innovation Solution
A light source apparatus comprising a main body with multiple configuration areas and ultraviolet emitting modules, each with a circuit substrate and UV emitting device, driven by a processor to provide omnidirectional UV light, including features like transparent plates for protection, distance sensing for intensity adjustment, and safety mechanisms to prevent biological damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deep ultraviolet light sources are used for sterilization, then sterilization capability is improved, but the device becomes bulky and requires high driving voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ultraviolet light source into multiple LED chips arranged in an array configuration. Each LED chip is a small-scale unit that can be individually controlled, allowing the system to achieve high sterilization capability through collective action while maintaining a compact overall structure. The segmented design enables distributed UV emission across multiple points rather than requiring a single large source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-point or linear UV sources to a two-dimensional array configuration of LED chips. This dimensional expansion allows the system to cover a larger sterilization area and provide more uniform UV distribution without proportionally increasing device volume, as the chips are arranged in a planar layout that optimizes space utilization.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional ultraviolet light sources are used, then high luminous density is achieved, but directivity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
Each LED chip in the array is positioned and oriented to emit ultraviolet light in a specific directional pattern tailored to its location within the overall structure. This local optimization of emission direction ensures that each chip contributes effectively to the desired UV distribution pattern, maintaining high luminous density in target areas while achieving good overall directivity control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates independent control of each LED chip through separate driving circuits, enabling dynamic adjustment of which chips are active and at what intensity levels. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt the UV emission pattern to different operational requirements, optimizing both luminous density and directivity based on real-time needs.
3Power
If mercury-containing ultraviolet light sources are used, then high energy output is achieved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mercury, a harmful substance, by replacing traditional mercury vapor lamps with solid-state LED chips that generate ultraviolet light through electroluminescence. This substitution removes the environmental hazard of mercury disposal while maintaining high energy output capability through the efficient conversion of electrical energy to ultraviolet radiation in the LED structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical process of mercury vapor excitation with the solid-state electroluminescence process in LED chips. This substitution eliminates the need for mercury vaporization and the associated environmental risks, while achieving comparable or superior energy efficiency and ultraviolet output through direct electrical-to-optical energy conversion in the semiconductor material.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light source modules are distributed in different directions, then omnidirectional coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the LED chip array structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously: the same structural framework provides mechanical support, defines the spatial arrangement for omnidirectional coverage, and integrates the mounting positions for all LED chips. This multi-functional design achieves comprehensive directional coverage without proportionally increasing structural complexity, as a single well-designed structure accomplishes what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
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 solution provides a compact, efficient, and safe UV light source with adjustable intensity and directionality, enhancing sterilization efficacy while minimizing environmental impact and user safety risks.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet emitting device, the ultraviolet emitting device being located on the circuit substrate and adapted to provide an ultraviolet source
Data Source
AI summary
A light source apparatus comprises a main body, a plurality of light source modules and a processor. The main body includes a plurality of configuration areas distributed on a surface of the main body. The plurality of configuration areas is oriented towards different directions, respectively. The plurality of light source modules is located in the plurality of configuration areas, respectively. Each of the plurality of light source modules includes a circuit substrate and an ultraviolet emitting device. The processor is electrically connected to the plurality of light source modules. The processor is adapted to drive the ultraviolet emitting device of each of the plurality of light source modules. A method of using a light source apparatus is also provided.