UV Optical Element Layout for Uniform Surface Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectronic devices face challenges in achieving uniform surface irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, particularly in constrained spaces, leading to non-uniform disinfection and increased costs due to the need for numerous emitters.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optoelectronic device with an optical element, such as a light guide or reflective elements, to redirect electromagnetic radiation uniformly across an external surface, reducing the number of emitters required and maintaining a compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If multiple emitters are arranged closely together to achieve uniform surface irradiation in a compact space, then the vertical distance to the external surface can be reduced, but the number of emitters increases significantly leading to higher cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the emitter and the external surface. The light guide receives electromagnetic radiation from a single emitter and redirects it onto the external surface, enabling uniform irradiation without requiring multiple emitters arranged closely together. This mediator allows the system to maintain a compact vertical distance while avoiding the cost and complexity of multiple emitters.
2Illumination intensity
If a large number of emitters are used to achieve uniform surface irradiation in constrained spaces, then the irradiation intensity and uniformity improve, but the device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide acts as a mediator that takes radiation from a single emitter and distributes it uniformly across the external surface. This intermediary structure enables the system to achieve high illumination uniformity without requiring multiple emitters, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective disinfection coverage.
3Quantity of substance
If emitters are arranged with large lateral distance to reduce emitter count, then cost decreases, but uniform surface irradiation cannot be achieved in compact vertical spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide enables the system to transition from a lateral arrangement of multiple emitters to a vertical distribution of radiation through the light guide structure. By utilizing the light guide's extension in space, the system achieves uniform surface coverage without requiring multiple emitters arranged laterally, thus reducing emitter count while maintaining compact vertical dimensions.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple emitters are used to cover large surface areas, then irradiation coverage improves, but the distance between emitters and external surface increases reducing compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide serves as an intermediary that extends the reach of a single emitter across a large surface area while maintaining a compact vertical distance. The light guide's structure allows radiation to be distributed over a wide area without requiring the emitter to be positioned far from the surface, thus achieving both extensive coverage and compact form factor.
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
Achieves uniform surface irradiation with reduced emitter count, ensuring effective disinfection and cost-efficiency by optimizing emitter placement and radiation redirection.
Implementation Method 1
the emitter is a light-emitting semiconductor diode. In particular, the light-emitting semiconductor diode comprises a semiconductor layer stack with a pn-junction for converting an electric current into electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
the optical element redirects the electromagnetic radiation due to refraction, reflection, diffraction, scattering, and/or interference of the electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
the optical element redirects the electromagnetic radiation due to refraction, reflection, diffraction, scattering, and/or interference of the electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 4
the optical element redirects the electromagnetic radiation due to refraction, reflection, diffraction, scattering, and/or interference of the electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 5
the optical element redirects the electromagnetic radiation due to refraction, reflection, diffraction, scattering, and/or interference of the electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic device is specified herein, comprising at least one emitter configured for emitting electromagnetic radiation in an ultraviolet spectral range, and at least one optical element configured for redirecting the electromagnetic radiation onto an external surface, such that the external surface is uniformly irradiated.