UV Sterilization Housing with External Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultraviolet light used for fluid sterilization can experience reduced output due to repeated reflection within the sterilization space, necessitating a method to detect and stabilize the ultraviolet light source output effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sterilization apparatus featuring a semiconductor light-emitting element, a housing with a reflection portion made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that transmits and reflects ultraviolet light, and a light receiving unit outside the housing to detect and control the ultraviolet light output, ensuring efficient sterilization and stabilization of the light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If ultraviolet light is used for sterilization with repeated reflection inside the sterilization space, then the number and output of ultraviolet light sources can be lowered, but it becomes difficult to detect and stabilize the ultraviolet light source output
Solution Approach 1:
A light receiving element is introduced as an intermediary to detect the ultraviolet light output. This element converts the ultraviolet light into an electrical signal that can be measured and used for feedback control, enabling stabilization of the light source output despite the complex reflection paths inside the sterilization space.
Solution Approach 2:
The detected ultraviolet light signal from the light receiving element is fed back to a control system that adjusts the driving signal to the ultraviolet light emitting diode. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains constant ultraviolet light output even as the diode's characteristics change over time or under varying operating conditions.
2Measurement precision
If a light receiving element is placed inside the sterilization space to detect ultraviolet light, then the output can be monitored, but the detected light may reduce the amount of ultraviolet light available for sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving element is extracted from the sterilization space and placed outside through a transmission portion in the housing. This extraction eliminates the conflict between detection and sterilization functions, as the monitoring element no longer competes for ultraviolet light with the sterilization process while still enabling accurate output measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
A transmission portion in the housing serves as an intermediary structure that allows the light receiving element to detect ultraviolet light from inside the sterilization space without being physically located inside it. This mediator enables the detection function while preserving the sterilization environment.
3Ease of operation
If the housing material transmits ultraviolet light to allow external detection, then the light receiving unit can be placed outside, but some ultraviolet light is lost through transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with differentiated local properties: most of the housing structure uses materials that reflect or block ultraviolet light to maintain sterilization effectiveness, while a specific transmission portion uses a material that allows ultraviolet light to pass through. This localized quality change enables external detection with minimal overall light loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission portion uses a material with specific optical properties (analogous to color changes) that is transparent to ultraviolet light at the operating wavelength. This selective transparency allows the housing to be opaque to visible light while transmitting ultraviolet light for detection purposes.
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
This configuration allows for efficient sterilization by utilizing reflected ultraviolet light for sterilization while detecting transmitted light to maintain consistent output, preventing reduction in ultraviolet light used for sterilization and stabilizing the light source output.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that has a semiconductor light-emitting element that emits ultraviolet light
Implementation Method 2
a cylindrical sterilization chamber that has a reflection portion that reflects the ultraviolet light at the inner surface thereof
Implementation Method 3
a light receiving unit provided outside the housing that receives a portion of the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source and detects the amount of ultraviolet light that has been received
Data Source
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AI summary
A sterilization apparatus (100) is provided with: a housing (10), which forms a flow passage through which a fluid subject to sterilization passes; a light receiving unit (16), which receives a portion of the ultraviolet light emitted from a light source (14) and detects the amount of ultraviolet light that has been received; and a control unit (18), which controls the output of the semiconductor light-emitting element based on information regarding the amount of ultraviolet light acquired from the light receiving unit. The housing (10) has an incidence portion (20) on which ultraviolet light becomes incident and a reflection portion (22), which reflects the ultraviolet light at the inner surface thereof. The light receiving unit (16) is provided at a position where the light receiving unit (16) can receive the portion of ultraviolet light that has been transmitted through the reflection portion (22).