UV and Visible Photochemistry Device with Uniform Light and Thermal Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photochemistry devices lack efficient temperature management, homogeneous light distribution, and modular light source control, which can affect the consistency and scalability of photochemical reactions.

Innovation Solution

A device with an insulated reaction chamber, modular light sources, and holders for reaction vessels that enable even light distribution, along with thermostatic fluid management and independent light source control, facilitating temperature control and adaptable light exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional photochemistry devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but temperature management is inefficient and light distribution is non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature managementVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into modular components including an insulated reaction chamber, separate light sources positioned above and surrounding the chamber, and a stirring module. This segmentation allows independent optimization of temperature control and light distribution while maintaining overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light sources are positioned both above and surrounding the reaction chamber, with holders containing reaction vessels nested within the insulated chamber. This nested arrangement enables homogeneous light distribution throughout the reaction vessels while the outer insulation layer provides temperature management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Illumination intensity

If light sources are positioned to maximize intensity, then illumination is strong, but light distribution between reaction vessels is non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distributionVSAvoidlight distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple light sources are positioned at different locations (above and surrounding the reaction chamber) to provide locally optimized illumination to different reaction vessels. This ensures each vessel receives appropriate light intensity while maintaining overall uniformity across all vessels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Light sources are arranged in three-dimensional space both above and surrounding the reaction chamber, transitioning from a single-plane to multi-dimensional lighting arrangement. This spatial distribution ensures homogeneous light exposure across all reaction vessels regardless of their position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the reaction chamber is open for monitoring, then observation is easy, but light leakage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction monitoringVSAvoidlight leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reaction chamber is enclosed with an insulated chamber that can be opened or closed as needed. This flexible enclosure allows the chamber to be open during monitoring operations for easy observation while closed during reactions to prevent light leakage and maintain temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If fixed light sources are used, then the device structure is simple, but adaptability to different reaction setups is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight source controlVSAvoidlight source configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light sources are designed to be independently controllable, allowing dynamic adjustment of each light source's operation. This enables adaptation to different reaction vessel configurations and experimental requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The light sources can be controlled independently to accommodate various reaction setups, holder configurations, and experimental needs. This multi-functionality allows the same device to handle different reaction types and scales without requiring complex reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances the consistency and scalability of photochemical reactions by providing precise temperature management and homogeneous light distribution, allowing for flexible reaction setups and reduced light leakage.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of UV and visible light sources positioned above and surrounding the reaction chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

an insulated reaction chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

The molecules absorb light in the visible and ultraviolet region. This light energy causes molecules to photoreact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

a heat exchanger, and a heater/chiller unit, the reservoir of liquid linked to the photoreactor and the heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS12364962B2Photochemistry device with a plurality of UV and visible light sources that carry out photocatalytic reactions
Publication Date: 2025.07.22 HEPATOCHEM INC
  • US12364962B2 patent drawing
  • US12364962B2 patent drawing
  • US12364962B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device includes an insulated reaction chamber, light sources above a stirring module, the light sources surrounding the reaction chamber, and holders containing reaction vessels, the holders configured to fit within the insulated reaction chamber in a manner that enables an even distribution of light between the reaction vessels.