Compact UVC Light Projection Unit for Portable Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective, portable solutions for sterilizing surfaces against infectious viruses and bacteria in various settings, such as hospitals and public areas, especially requiring compact and efficient tools for immediate use.
Innovation Solution
A compact UVC light projection unit with a housing containing UVC and visible LEDs, designed to project light forward, equipped with a handle for easy handling and a fan for cooling, utilizing optical elements like lenses and reflectors to reduce divergence and enhance light collimation, capable of emitting UVC light within the 250-280 nm range for effective sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable UVC sterilization device is designed to be compact and mobile, then ease of operation and portability are improved, but the sterilization effectiveness and light output intensity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the light source system into multiple individual LED modules (UVC LEDs and visible LEDs) that can be arranged in arrays. This segmentation allows the total light output to be distributed across multiple small components, achieving high illumination intensity while maintaining a compact form factor that is easy to port.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple light sources (UVC LEDs and visible LEDs) into a single integrated housing unit. This merging of functions allows the device to provide both sterilization (via UVC) and visibility/alignment (via visible LEDs) in one portable unit, maximizing effectiveness without increasing size.
2Productivity
If multiple high-power UVC LEDs are used to enhance sterilization effectiveness, then productivity and sterilization speed are improved, but heat generation increases requiring additional cooling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces a visible LED intermediary that operates alongside UVC LEDs. The visible LEDs generate minimal heat compared to high-power UVC LEDs and provide the necessary illumination for targeting surfaces. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve sterilization effectiveness through multiple lower-power UVC LEDs rather than relying on a single high-power source that would generate excessive heat.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the operational parameters by using multiple low-to-medium power UVC LEDs instead of fewer high-power LEDs. This parameter change distributes the heat generation across multiple components, making thermal management more effective while maintaining total sterilization output. The system also incorporates active cooling (fan) and passive cooling (heat sinks) to manage the distributed heat load.
3Illumination intensity
If optical elements like lenses and reflectors are added to reduce light divergence and enhance collimation, then illumination intensity and directionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies optical elements selectively rather than uniformly across all LEDs. Individual lenses or reflectors are positioned only where needed to direct light toward specific target areas or surfaces. This local application of optical components achieves the necessary light collimation and directionality while minimizing the overall number of optical elements and reducing system complexity.
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 UVC light projection unit effectively sterilizes surfaces by emitting UVC light that kills or disables bacteria and viruses, providing partial or full inactivation within seconds, making it a versatile tool for diverse applications including hospitals and biohazard cleanup.
Implementation Method 1
a first group of light sources comprising a plurality of UVC light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 2
configured to project UVC light and visible light forward... emitting UVC light within the 250-280 nm range
Implementation Method 3
a fan disposed to provide cooling for said plurality of light sources
Data Source
AI summary
A compact UVC light projection unit for providing UVC illumination comprises a housing, a plurality of UVC light sources supported by the housing, and a handle connected to the housing for holding the housing. The plurality of UVC light sources comprises UVC light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit light having a wavelength in the range of 260 to 280 nm. The UVC light projection unit may further comprise a fan and/or a plurality of visible light sources.