One-Piece UV Transmissive Member for Fluid Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sterilization devices using ultraviolet light suffer from light loss due to reflections and refractive index differences at interfaces, reducing their efficiency in sterilizing fluids.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sterilization device with a one-piece transmissive member that focuses and guides ultraviolet light from a light source into a processing passage, minimizing reflections and refractive index differences by using a focusing part and an exit part with a reduced refractive index interface, and a supported part for secure housing, made from synthetic quartz to prevent degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a collimating lens and glass plate are used to transmit ultraviolet light from the LED to the container, then the light can be transmitted through the system, but light loss occurs due to reflection at the incidence surface and reflecting surface of the collimating lens and the reflection on the incidence surface of the glass plate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collimating lens and glass plate into a single integrated optical component. The lens portion provides light collimation while the integrated plate structure eliminates the separate glass plate interface, thereby reducing reflection losses. This merging of functions into one component directly addresses the light loss problem while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate layer with refractive index matching between the lens and the external environment. This intermediate layer acts as a mediator that reduces the refractive index difference at the interface, thereby minimizing reflection losses. The intermediate layer is integrated into the optical component design, allowing light to pass through with reduced reflection at critical interfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components (collimating lens and glass plate) are used to transmit ultraviolet light, then the optical functions can be implemented, but manufacturing complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the collimating lens and glass plate into a single molded optical component. This merging eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of multiple components, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process. The integrated design ensures that the optical axes and interfaces are inherently aligned, removing the alignment precision requirements that would exist with separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical component performs multiple functions simultaneously: light collimation, protection, and refractive index matching. By designing a single component that fulfills all these functions, the patent eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining all necessary optical and protective functions.
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 enhances the efficiency of ultraviolet light sterilization by reducing non-sterilizing light loss and simplifying manufacturing, while maintaining fluid flow and reducing costs through a flat exit surface and flange configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a focusing part that focuses the ultraviolet light radiated by the light source toward the processing passage by refracting or reflecting the ultraviolet light
Implementation Method 2
a focusing part that focuses the ultraviolet light radiated by the light source toward the processing passage by refracting or reflecting the ultraviolet light
Implementation Method 3
a transmissive member provided between the light source and the processing passage and transmitting the ultraviolet light radiated by the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sterilization device includes: a housing formed with a processing passage for sterilizing a fluid passing through the processing passage; a light source that radiates ultraviolet toward the processing passage; and a transmissive member provided between the light source and the processing passage and transmitting the ultraviolet light radiated by the light source. The transmissive member is a one-piece component including: a focusing part that focuses the ultraviolet light radiated by the light source toward the processing passage by refracting or reflecting the ultraviolet light; an exit part that guides the ultraviolet light transmitted through the focusing part toward the processing passage, and a supported part formed on an outer circumference of the exit part to be contiguous with the exit part, and supported by the housing. The exit part is exposed to the processing passage.