UV Light Source Module With Liquid Gap Filling for Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultraviolet light sterilization devices using mercury lamps are toxic and environmentally burdensome, and they require larger device sizes. Additionally, the ultraviolet light extraction efficiency in these devices is reduced due to diffusion within the housing, and the stress on light emitting elements increases when using chip-on-board LED modules with high area ratios.
Innovation Solution
A light source module that includes semiconductor-based ultraviolet light emitting elements mounted on a substrate, a light transmitting member to separate the elements from the fluid, and a liquid substance filled in the gap between the elements, substrate, and light transmitting member, which enhances ultraviolet light extraction efficiency and reduces stress on the light emitting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If light emitting elements are densely arranged to increase area ratio, then sterilization efficiency is improved, but stress on light emitting elements increases due to resin hardening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a liquid substance as an intermediary medium between the light emitting elements and the housing. This liquid substance fills the gap and serves as a mediator that prevents stress concentration on the light emitting elements while maintaining efficient ultraviolet light transmission for sterilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the gap-filling material from solid resin to liquid substance. This parameter change allows the liquid to adapt to the narrow gaps between densely arranged light emitting elements without hardening stress, enabling higher area ratios while maintaining element durability
2Use of energy by moving object
If ultraviolet light is directed toward the opening to improve extraction efficiency, then light extraction efficiency is improved, but light diffusion in the housing space reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid substance acts as an optical intermediary with refractive index matched to the light emitting elements. This reduces light diffusion and refraction losses at interfaces, directing ultraviolet light more effectively toward the opening while minimizing energy loss through the housing space
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 proposed solution improves ultraviolet light extraction efficiency and minimizes stress on light emitting elements, even when the area ratio of light emitting elements to the mounting substrate is high, thus providing a more efficient and durable sterilization solution.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid substance filled in a gap surrounded by an outer surface of the plurality of light emitting elements, the mounting substrate, and the light transmitting member
Implementation Method 2
the liquid substance filled in the gap surrounded by the outer surface of the plurality of light emitting elements, the mounting substrate, and the light transmitting member improves the ultraviolet light extraction efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Provided a light source module in which ultraviolet light extraction efficiency is enhanced and stress that occurs to a light emitting element is reduced even if an area ratio of the light emitting element to a mounting substrate is large. The light source module includes a plurality of light emitting elements formed of a semiconductor and configured to emit ultraviolet light to sterilize a fluid, a mounting substrate having the plurality of light emitting elements mounted thereon, a light transmitting member transmitting the ultraviolet light and separating the plurality of light emitting elements and the mounting substrate from the fluid, and a liquid substance filled in a gap surrounded by an outer surface of the plurality of light emitting elements, the mounting substrate, and the light transmitting member.