W-Shaped Reflector System for UV Light Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV light assemblies for aircraft lavatories are too large and bulky, making them difficult to integrate into confined spaces, and known reflectors do not efficiently direct UV light away from the light source, leading to reduced effectiveness and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A compact UV lighting assembly with a reflector system featuring a W-shaped base and planar reflector panels that securely position the UV light source behind a central crest, minimizing light reflection back into the bulb and maximizing light output, allowing for efficient and uniform UV light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standard curved reflector is used with a UV light source, then the light can be directed forward, but light reflects back into the bulb and the assembly becomes bulky and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is divided into multiple planar facets (first reflector panel, second reflector panel, third reflector panel, fourth reflector panel) arranged in a W-shaped configuration. Each facet is a simple planar surface that is easy to manufacture, yet collectively they achieve the complex light redirecting function that would otherwise require a curved surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a curved reflector that requires complex manufacturing processes, the invention inverts the approach by using multiple flat planar panels arranged in a W-shape. This inverted geometry achieves the same light redirecting effect while being significantly easier to manufacture from flat sheets.
2Reliability
If a parabolic reflector with large diameter is used, then UV light can be effectively reflected, but the assembly occupies significant space and cannot be integrated into confined aircraft lavatory areas
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector transitions from a two-dimensional curved surface (parabolic) to a three-dimensional W-shaped structure composed of multiple planar facets. This dimensional change allows the reflector to achieve effective light redirection while reducing the overall volume and footprint, enabling integration into confined spaces like aircraft lavatories.
Solution Approach 2:
The W-shaped reflector structure nests multiple functional facets within a compact form factor. The four planar panels are arranged to create a nested configuration that maximizes light reflection effectiveness while minimizing the external dimensions, allowing the assembly to fit within confined aircraft lavatory spaces.
3Productivity
If a curved reflector is used to direct UV light, then light can be focused, but the manufacturing process becomes time and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is segmented into four separate planar panels that can be manufactured independently using simple cutting and bending processes. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex curved surface manufacturing, significantly reducing production time and labor requirements while maintaining effective light direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the curved parabolic surface with planar facets arranged in a W-shape. While individual facets are flat, their collective arrangement creates the necessary light-focusing effect, eliminating the need for time-consuming curved surface formation processes.
4Volume of moving object
If a reflector is positioned close to the light source to save space, then the assembly becomes compact, but light reflection back into the bulb increases
Solution Approach 1:
The W-shaped reflector inverts the traditional reflector geometry to position the light source in front of the central crest rather than behind it. This inverted configuration, with the light source between the crest and the outlet passage, prevents back-reflection into the bulb while maintaining a compact overall assembly size suitable for confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector employs an asymmetric W-shaped configuration with specific angular relationships between facets (e.g., second panel at 45 degrees to first and third panels). This asymmetric geometry is specifically designed to redirect light forward while preventing back-reflection, achieving both compactness and energy efficiency.
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 provides a compact, efficient UV lighting assembly that effectively directs UV light onto surfaces, enhancing disinfection capabilities while reducing manufacturing complexity and space requirements, making it suitable for aircraft lavatories and other confined areas.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector system includes a W-shaped base having an internal central crest that is configured to direct emitted light away from a light source
Data Source
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AI summary
A lighting assembly includes a light source (126), such as an ultraviolet (UV) light source that is configured to emit UVC light (180), and a reflector system (124) including a base (130) having an internal central crest (136) that is configured to direct emitted light away from the light source (126).