Self-disinfection system and method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-disinfection system and a method thereof. The self-disinfecting system may include a cladding having a flexible body, the cladding conforming to a substrate. The system may also include a sanitizing device for sanitizing an outer surface of the cladding. The sterilizing device may be selected from a sterilizing irradiation device, a photocatalytic sterilizing device or a chemical sterilizing device for sterilizing the outer surface of the cladding. The sterilising irradiation device may sterilize the cladding with sterilising radiation from one or more locations within the body or substrate. The photocatalytic disinfection device may disinfect the cladding with excitation radiation by generating reactive oxygen species using a photosensitizer incorporated into one or more polymer layers of the host or a coating thereon. The chemical disinfection device may disinfect the cladding with a chemical disinfectant incorporated into one or more polymer layers of the body.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application No. 18 / 239,048, filed on August 28, 2023, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to a self-disinfecting system and method thereof. Background Art

[0004] Various methods have been developed for disinfecting surfaces, particularly in environments where cleanliness and hygiene are critical. Conventional disinfection methods typically involve the use of chemical disinfectants, such as sprays or wipes, which can be very time-consuming and require repeated applications. In addition, such chemical disinfectants can pose health risks or cause damage to the treated surface. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in developing self-disinfecting systems that can effectively and continuously disinfect surfaces without human intervention.

[0005] Disclosed herein are self-disinfecting systems and methods that address such growing interest. Summary of the invention

[0006] In some embodiments, a self-disinfecting system is disclosed herein, comprising a cladding and a disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding. The cladding comprises a flexible body formed of one or more polymer layers, and the cladding is configured to conform to a substrate. The disinfection device is selected from a germicidal irradiation device, a photocatalytic disinfection device, and a chemical disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding. The germicidal irradiation device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding irradiates with germicidal radiation from one or more locations within the body of the cladding, within the substrate below the cladding, or within the body of the cladding and the substrate below the cladding. The photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding irradiates with excitation radiation from one or more locations within the body of the cladding, within the substrate below the cladding, or within the body of the cladding and the substrate below the cladding. The excitation radiation is configured to generate reactive oxygen species (reactive oxygen species, "ROS") through a photosensitizer incorporated into one or more polymer layers of the body or a coating thereon. The chemical disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding performs chemical disinfection using a chemical disinfectant incorporated into one or more polymer layers of the body.

[0007] In some embodiments, the body of the cladding is formed as a strip or sheet configured to conform to one or more continuous surfaces of the substrate, the one or more continuous surfaces of the substrate being selected from a flat surface and a rounded surface of the substrate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the body of the cladding is formed as a sheath configured to conform to the cylindrical surface of the substrate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the germicidal irradiation device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding includes one or more light emitters selected from light sources and an optical fiber terminal operably connected to one or more of the light sources. The light source includes a light emitting diode ("LED"), a superluminescent LED ("SLED"), a laser diode, a light bulb, and a tube light.

[0010] In some embodiments, one or more light emitters are configured to emit light selected from broad spectrum ultraviolet ("UV") light, UVA light, UVB light, UVC light, blue light, and modulated light thereof. The modulated light is modulated in frequency, power, duration, or a combination thereof.

[0011] In some embodiments, one or more light emitters are located within the body of the cladding between outer polymer layers and inner polymer layers corresponding to at least two of the one or more polymer layers. The outer polymer layer of the body is transparent to light emitted by the one or more light emitters.

[0012] In some embodiments, the one or more light emitters are within the substrate. Both the substrate and the one or more polymer layers of the body of the cladding are transparent to light emitted by the one or more light emitters.

[0013] In some embodiments, the photosensitizer is incorporated into one or more polymer layers of the body.

[0014] In some embodiments, the photosensitizer is incorporated into a coating on one or more polymer layers of the body.

[0015] In some embodiments, the photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding includes one or more light emitters selected from light sources and an optical fiber terminal operably connected to one or more of the light sources. The light source includes LEDs, SLEDs, laser diodes, bulbs, and downlights.

[0016] In some embodiments, one or more light emitters are located within the body of the cladding between outer polymer layers and inner polymer layers corresponding to at least two of the one or more polymer layers. The outer polymer layer of the body is transparent to light emitted by the one or more light emitters.

[0017] In some embodiments, the one or more light emitters are within the substrate. Both the substrate and the one or more polymer layers of the body of the cladding are transparent to light emitted by the one or more light emitters.

[0018] In some embodiments, the germicidal irradiation device or photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the envelope includes electronic circuitry configured to power and control the operation of the germicidal irradiation device or photocatalytic disinfection device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the electronic circuit includes one or more sensors configured to sense a person for starting or stopping disinfection of the outer surface of the cladding by the germicidal irradiation device or the photocatalytic disinfection device when the person is sensed. The one or more sensors are selected from passive infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, microwave sensors, acoustic sensors, floor pressure mats, infrared beam sensors, capacitive proximity sensors, thermal cameras, laser sensors, radio frequency ("RF") sensors, and vibration sensors.

[0020] In some embodiments, the substrate is selected from: a rail or frame of a hospital bed; a grab bar; an intravenous ("IV") pole or stand; the surface or edge of an overbed table, bedside table, countertop, or trash can; a sink, faucet, or toilet; a handle or knob of a door, drawer, or cabinet; a light switch, and a call button.

[0021] Also disclosed herein is a method for a self-disinfecting system. In some embodiments, the method includes a disinfection operation. The disinfection operation includes disinfecting the outer surface of a cladding conformable to a substrate. Disinfection also includes a sterilization irradiation operation of irradiating the outer surface of the cladding with sterilization radiation from one or more locations within the flexible body of the cladding, within the substrate below the cladding, or within the body of the cladding and the substrate below the cladding. Alternatively, disinfection also includes an excitation irradiation operation of irradiating the outer surface of the cladding with excitation radiation from one or more locations within the body of the cladding, within the substrate below the cladding, or within the body of the cladding and the substrate below the cladding. The excitation radiation generates ROS through a photosensitizer incorporated into one or more polymer layers of the body or a coating thereon. In addition, alternatively, disinfection also includes a chemical treatment operation of chemically treating the outer surface of the cladding with a chemical disinfectant incorporated into one or more polymer layers of the body.

[0022] In some embodiments, the body of the cladding is formed as a tape or sheet configured to conform to one or more continuous surfaces of the substrate, the one or more continuous surfaces of the substrate being selected from a flat surface and a rounded surface of the substrate.

[0023] In some embodiments, the body of the cladding is formed as a sheath configured to conform to the cylindrical surface of the substrate.

[0024] In some embodiments, the sterilization irradiation operation or the excitation irradiation operation of irradiating the outer surface of the cladding includes irradiating with one or more light emitters selected from light sources and an optical fiber terminal operably connected to one or more of these light sources. The light source includes an LED, an SLED, a laser diode, a bulb, and a downlight. The one or more light emitters are located within the substrate or within the body of the cladding between an outer polymer layer and an inner polymer layer corresponding to at least two of the one or more polymer layers.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method further comprises a sensing operation. The sensing operation comprises sensing a person using one or more sensors of the self-disinfecting system. In addition, the sensing operation comprises starting or stopping disinfection of the outer surface of the cladding in response to the departure or arrival of a person, respectively. The one or more sensors are selected from passive infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, microwave sensors, acoustic sensors, floor pressure pads, infrared beam sensors, capacitive proximity sensors, thermal cameras, laser sensors, RF sensors, and vibration sensors.

[0026] In some embodiments, the substrate is selected from: a rail or frame of a hospital bed; a grab bar; an IV pole or stand; the surface or edge of an overbed table, nightstand, countertop, or trash can; a sink, faucet, or toilet; a handle or knob of a door, drawer, or cabinet; a light switch, and a call button.

[0027] These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the accompanying drawings and the following description, which describe in more detail specific embodiments of such concepts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 A self-disinfecting system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 Shown is a detailed view of a substrate-conforming envelope of a self-sterilizing system according to some embodiments.

[0030] Figure 3 The formation of the cladding as the main body of the sheath is shown according to some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 4The formation of the cladding as a body of sheet material is shown according to some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 5 shows conformal to some embodiments Figure 2 A longitudinal cross-section of a cladding of a substrate, wherein one or more light emitters are within the substrate.

[0033] Figure 6 A longitudinal cross-section of a cladding is shown, wherein one or more light emitters are within the bulk of the cladding, according to some embodiments.

[0034] Figure 7 The generation of disinfecting ROS upon irradiation of a coating having a photosensitizer incorporated therein is shown according to some embodiments.

[0035] Figure 8 Electronic circuitry configured to power and control the operation of a self-disinfecting system is shown according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Before disclosing some specific embodiments in more detail, it should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein may have features that can be easily separated from the specific embodiments, and these features may be optionally combined with or replace the features of any of the many other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0037] About the terms used herein, it should also be understood that these terms are for the purpose of describing some specific embodiments, and these terms do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps in a set of features or steps, and do not provide sequence or numerical restrictions. For example, "first", "second" and "third" features or steps do not necessarily appear in this order, and the specific embodiments including such features or steps are not necessarily limited to these three features or steps. In addition, unless otherwise specified, any feature or step in the aforementioned features or steps and then can also include one or more features or steps. For convenience, using labels such as "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "front", "back", etc., these labels are not intended to imply, for example, any specific fixed position, orientation or direction. On the contrary, such labels are used to reflect, for example, relative position, orientation or direction. The singular forms of "a kind of", "one" and "the" include plural references, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise.

[0038] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0039] Figure 1 A self-disinfecting system 100 is shown according to some embodiments.

[0040] As shown, the self-sterilizing system 100 may include a cladding 102 and a sterilizing device for sterilizing an outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 .

[0041] Figure 2 A cladding 102 of a self-sterilizing system 100 is shown conforming to a substrate 106 according to some embodiments. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A flexible body 108 of the envelope 102 is shown formed as a jacket and a sheet, respectively, according to some embodiments.

[0042] The cladding 102 includes a body 108 configured to conform to a substrate 106. Because the substrate 106 can be any high-touch or contamination-prone structure selected from: a rail or frame of a hospital bed (such as the rail 110); a grab bar that provides support; an IV pole or stand, such as the IV pole 112; a surface or edge of an overbed table, nightstand, countertop, or trash can; a sink, faucet, or toilet; a handle or knob of a door, drawer, or cabinet; a light switch, and a call button, the body 108 can be in any of a variety of forms for conforming to the substrate 106. In one example, the body 108 of the cladding 102 can be formed as a strip or sheet configured to conform to one or more continuous surfaces of the substrate 106, wherein the one or more surfaces are selected from a flat surface and a rounded surface of the substrate 106. The flat surface of the substrate 106 can be any top surface or side surface of the aforementioned overbed table, nightstand, countertop, or trash can, and the rounded surface can be any rounded edge that joins these top surfaces or side surfaces. In another example, the body 108 of the cladding 102 can be formed as a sheath configured to conform to the cylindrical surface of the substrate 106. The cylindrical surface of the substrate 106 can be a cylindrical surface of a circular or elliptical cylinder (such as the railing 110); however, the body 108 of the cladding 102 can be formed as a sheath configured to conform to any elongated shape having a transverse cross-section corresponding to a geometric shape including at least a simple convex polygon.

[0043] The body 108 of the cladding 102 can be formed from one or more polymer layers 114. When the body 108 is formed from a plurality of polymer layers 114, any two of the polymer layers 114 can be independently joined together by calendaring, lamination, thermal welding, ultrasonic welding, solvent bonding, adhesive bonding, RF welding, thermal bonding, coextrusion, or injection overmolding. It is worth noting that any of the one or more polymer layers 114 up to the entire body 108 can be made of a polymer material (e.g., TOPAS (Raunheim, Germany)). The polymer material is formed of a cyclic olefin copolymer (cyclic olefin copolymer), and the polymer material has a thickness sufficient to achieve the structural integrity of the polymer layer 114 or the body 108 and a transparency sufficient to allow light emitted by one or more light emitters 118 to pass therethrough. Whether the body 108 is formed of one polymer layer 114 or a plurality of polymer layers 114, the body 108 includes an outer surface 104 and an inner surface 116 opposite the outer surface 104, each of which is coextensive with a surface of the cladding 102 itself. Notably, the inner surface 116 of the cladding 102 may include an adhesive thereon, the adhesive being configured to adhere the cladding 102 to one or more surfaces of the substrate 106.

[0044] The disinfection device is selected from a germicidal irradiation device, a photocatalytic disinfection device, and a chemical disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. Since the cladding 102 can vary according to the germicidal irradiation device, the photocatalytic disinfection device, and the chemical disinfection device, further description of the cladding 102 is set forth in the following description of the disinfection device.

[0045] The germicidal irradiation device for disinfecting the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 can irradiate at least the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 with germicidal radiation, and the germicidal radiation includes light selected from broad-spectrum UV light, UVA light, UVB light, UVC light, blue light, and modulated light thereof, for example, light modulated in wavelength or frequency, power (including gradient power), duration (including pulse duration when pulse modulated light), or a combination thereof. Such light can be emitted from one or more light emitters 118 selected from light sources 119 and optical fiber terminals operably connected to one or more of the light sources 119. The light source 119 may include an LED, an SLED, a laser diode, a bulb, and a downlight.

[0046] Figure 5 shows conformal to some embodiments Figure 2 A longitudinal cross-section of the cladding 102 of the substrate 106 , wherein one or more light emitters 118 are within the substrate 106 . Figure 6A longitudinal cross-section of a cladding 102 is shown with one or more light emitters 118 within the body 108 of the cladding 102 according to some embodiments.

[0047] The germicidal irradiation device for sterilizing the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 can utilize one or more light emitters 118 to irradiate at least the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 from one or more locations within the body 108 of the cladding 102, below or inside the substrate 106 below the cladding 102, or within the body 108 of the cladding 102 and below or inside the substrate 106 below the cladding 102.

[0048] As for the one or more light emitters 118 within the body 108 of the cladding 102, the one or more light emitters 118 can be located between the outer polymer layer 120 and the inner polymer layer 122 that are joined together as described above, wherein the outer polymer layer 120 and the inner polymer layer 122 correspond to at least two polymer layers of the plurality of polymer layers 114. In addition, the one or more light emitters 118 can be arranged to emit light toward the outer polymer layer 120, and thus toward the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. At least the outer polymer layer 120 of the body 108 is sufficiently transparent to the light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to allow the germicidal radiation to sterilize the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. In addition, the outer polymer layer 120 of the body 108 can be configured to diffuse the light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to allow the germicidal radiation to sterilize the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 uniformly.

[0049] As for the one or more light emitters 118 below or within the substrate 106, the one or more light emitters 118 can be arranged to emit light from the substrate 106 toward the cladding 102, and thus toward the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. Both the substrate 106 and the body 108 of the cladding 102 are sufficiently transparent to the light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to allow the germicidal radiation to sterilize the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. In addition, the substrate 106, the body 108 of the cladding 102, or both the substrate 106 and the body 108 of the cladding 102 can be configured to diffuse the light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to allow the germicidal radiation to sterilize the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 uniformly.

[0050] The photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 can irradiate at least the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 with excitation radiation, the excitation radiation including light selected from broad spectrum UV-vis light, broad spectrum UV light, UVA light, UVB light, UVC light, broad spectrum visible light, violet light, blue light, green light, yellow light, orange light, red light or modulated light thereof, for example, light modulated in wavelength or frequency, power (including gradient power), duration (including pulse duration when pulse modulated light) or a combination thereof. Such light can be emitted from the above-mentioned one or more light emitters 118 (i.e., those selected from light sources 119) and optical fiber terminals operably connected thereto, and the light sources 119 include LEDs, SLEDs, laser diodes, bulbs and downlights.

[0051] The photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 can use one or more light emitters 118 to irradiate at least the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 from one or more locations within the body 108 of the cladding 102, below or inside the substrate 106 below the cladding 102, or within the body 108 of the cladding 102 and below or inside the substrate 106 below the cladding 102.

[0052] As for the one or more light emitters 118 within the body 108 of the cladding 102, the one or more light emitters 118 may be located between the outer polymer layer 120 and the inner polymer layer 122 joined together as described above, wherein the outer polymer layer 120 and the inner polymer layer 122 correspond to at least two polymer layers of the plurality of polymer layers 114. In addition, the one or more light emitters 118 may be arranged to emit light toward the outer polymer layer 120, and thus toward the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. At least the outer polymer layer 120 of the body 108 is sufficiently transparent to the light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to allow the excitation radiation to generate ROS to disinfect the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 through the photosensitizer 124 that is bound (e.g., blended as a filler) to the outer polymer layer 120 or a coating thereon. Furthermore, the outer polymer layer 120 of the body 108 may be configured to diffuse light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to allow the excitation radiation to uniformly generate ROS in the outer polymer layer 120 or a coating thereon to sterilize the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 with the ROS.

[0053] As for the one or more light emitters 118 below or within the substrate 106, the one or more light emitters 118 may be arranged to emit light from the substrate 106 toward the cladding 102, and thus toward the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. Both the substrate 106 and the body 108 of the cladding 102 are sufficiently transparent to the light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to allow the excitation radiation to generate ROS in the body 108 of the cladding 102 or a coating thereon to disinfect the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. In addition, the substrate 106, the body 108 of the cladding 102, or both the substrate 106 and the body 108 of the cladding 102 may be configured to diffuse the light emitted by the one or more light emitters 118 to allow the excitation radiation to uniformly generate ROS in the body 108 of the cladding 102 or a coating thereon to disinfect the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 with the ROS.

[0054] Referring again to the body 108 of the cladding 102 and its one or more polymer layers 114, the photosensitizer 124 can be incorporated (e.g., blended as a filler) into any of the one or more polymer layers 114. Additionally or alternatively, the photosensitizer 124 can be similarly incorporated into a coating (e.g., a polymer coating) on ​​the one or more polymer layers 114. Regardless, the photosensitizer 124 should be incorporated into the body 108 of the cladding 102 outward from the one or more light emitters 118. In other words, the photosensitizer 124 should be incorporated into the body 108 of the cladding 102 such that the polymer layer 114 or coating including the photosensitizer 124 is located between an active subject (e.g., a patient, clinician, visitor, etc.) carrying a touch contaminant and the one or more light emitters 118.

[0055] Figure 7 The generation of ROS upon irradiation of the cladding 102 having the photosensitizer 124 incorporated therein is shown according to some embodiments.

[0056] The excitation radiation is configured to generate ROS via a photosensitizer 124 incorporated into one or more polymer layers 114 of the body 108 or a coating thereon. As shown, upon irradiation with the excitation radiation, the photosensitizer 124 or a population of photosensitizers 124 enters an excited singlet state. Although the photosensitizer 124 can lose energy through fluorescence, a population of photosensitizers 124 in the excited singlet state instead enters an excited triplet state through intersystem crossing. And, depending on whether the photosensitizer 124 is a Type I photosensitizer or a Type II photosensitizer, the photosensitizer 124 in its excited triplet state reacts with oxygen through electron transfer or energy transfer to generate disinfecting ROS for disinfecting the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. In fact, the Type I photosensitizer in its excited triplet state reacts with oxygen through electron transfer to generate superoxide ( ● O2 -), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is produced by the dismutation of superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals ( ● OH). The type II photosensitizer in its excited triplet state reacts with oxygen via energy transfer to produce singlet oxygen ( 1 O2). ROS in turn lead to microbial death and inactivation of microbial endotoxins through various reaction mechanisms involving ROS.

[0057] Figure 8 Electronic circuitry configured to power and control the operation of the self-disinfecting system 100 is shown according to some embodiments.

[0058] The germicidal irradiation device or photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 may include electronic circuitry configured to power the germicidal irradiation device or photocatalytic disinfection device and control its operation.

[0059] The electronic circuit may include a controller 126 having at least a processor 128 and an auxiliary memory 130, a light source 119, and a power source 132. In addition, the electronic circuit may include one or more sensors 134 configured to sense an agent carrying a touch contaminant (e.g., a patient, a clinician, a visitor, etc.) for starting or stopping disinfection of the outer surface 104 of the envelope 102 by a germicidal irradiation device or a photocatalytic disinfection device when a person is sensed. When one or more sensors 134 are present, the controller 126 may also include a sensor interface 136. When one or more sensors 134 are not present, the electronic circuit may include a switch for turning on or off one or more light sources 119. Finally, the electronic circuit may include any necessary electrical leads between these electronic components of the electronic circuit for powering and operating the germicidal irradiation device or the photocatalytic disinfection device.

[0060] Processor 128 may include control unit 138, computing unit 140, and primary memory 142 (e.g., cache memory, random access memory ["RAM"], or both), where primary memory 142 may be configured to store programs and data (e.g., sensor data) in use. Although primary memory 142 may be separate from processor 128 in use, primary memory 142 may be configured to store programs and data (e.g., sensor data) in use. Figure 8134 are located in the same package, but at least the aforementioned RAM can be distributed outside the package of processor 128, for example, in its own package. Considering that one or more sensors 134 are analog sensors, however, one or more sensors 134 need not be limited to analog sensors, so processor 128 can also include an analog-to-digital converter ("ADC") 144 configured to convert electrical signals from one or more sensors 134 from analog to digital and a digital signal processor ("DSP") 146 configured to generate sensor data from the electrical signals. Although ADC 144 and DSP 146 can be located in the same package as processor 128, Figure 8 The rest of the components mentioned in are located in the same package, but ADC 144 and DSP 146 may be distributed outside of the package of processor 128, for example, in their own packages.

[0061] The secondary memory 130 may be configured to store data (e.g., sensor data) and programs including instructions, logic (including sensing logic), algorithms (including sensing algorithms), or some combination thereof, for loading into the primary memory 142 for use by the processor 128, for example, when determining from the sensor data in a sensing operation whether a person is within range of the self-disinfection system 100. Notably, such sensing operations may include starting or stopping disinfection of the outer surface 104 of the envelope 102 in response to an agent (e.g., a patient, a clinician, a visitor, etc.) carrying a touch contaminant leaving or arriving at the self-disinfection system 100 or a portion thereof, respectively.

[0062] The sensor interface 136 may include a signal conditioner 148 configured to normalize electrical signals from one or more sensors 134 through voltage or current limiting, anti-aliasing filtering, etc. Additionally, the sensor interface 136 may include an amplifier 150 configured to amplify the electrical signal and thereby increase its signal-to-noise ratio.

[0063] The one or more sensors 134 may be selected from passive infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, microwave sensors, acoustic sensors, floor pressure pads, infrared beam sensors, capacitive proximity sensors, thermal cameras, laser sensors, RF sensors, and vibration sensors.

[0064] The power source 132 may be configured to power the controller 126, the light source 119, and one or more sensors 134 (if present). Such a power source 132 may be an external power source (such as a utility power source) or an internal power source including an internal battery that may be charged through a port.

[0065] The chemical disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 employs chemical disinfection using a chemical disinfectant incorporated into one or more polymer layers 114 of the body 108 or a coating thereon (e.g., a polymer coating). In practice, similar to the photosensitizer 124, the chemical disinfectant may be incorporated (e.g., blended as a filler, covalently bound, etc.) into the outer polymer layer 120 or a coating thereon to disinfect the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102. Such chemical disinfectants may include: one or more antimicrobial metals or ions thereof (via salts) selected from at least copper, silver, and zinc; one or more antimicrobial metal compounds selected from at least copper oxide, silver oxide, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide; one or more antimicrobial nanoparticles selected from at least copper nanoparticles, copper oxide nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, iron oxide nanoparticles, cerium oxide nanoparticles, magnesium oxide nanoparticles, functionalized dioxygen nanoparticles, and the like. Silicon nanoparticles, chitosan nanoparticles, graphene nanoparticles and graphene oxide nanoparticles; one or more quaternary ammonium salts selected from at least benzalkonium chloride, cetrimide and alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; one or more pyridinium salts selected from hexadecyl pyridinium chloride, lauryl pyridinium chloride, myristyl pyridinium chloride, octyl pyridinium chloride and dodecyl pyridinium chloride; guanidine-based antimicrobial agents selected from at least guanidine hydrochloride, biguanides such as chlorhexidine and polyhexamethylene biguanide; or selected from a combination of the foregoing. It is worth noting that some antimicrobial agents used as chemical disinfectants benefit from photoactivation (e.g., activation of titanium dioxide by UV light), thereby providing another disinfection means for disinfecting the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102.

[0066] method

[0067] The method includes a method of the self-disinfecting system 100. For example, the method of the self-disinfecting system 100 may include a disinfecting operation and, optionally, a sensing operation.

[0068] The sterilization operation may include sterilizing the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 when the cladding 102 conforms to the substrate 106. When the self-sterilizing system 100 includes a germicidal irradiation device for sterilizing the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102, the sterilization operation may also include a germicidal irradiation operation of irradiating the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 with germicidal radiation from one or more locations within the body 108 of the cladding 102, within the substrate 106 below the cladding 102, or within the body 108 of the cladding 102 and the substrate 106 below the cladding 102. When the self-sterilizing system 100 includes a photocatalytic device for sterilizing the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102, the sterilization operation may also include an excitation irradiation operation of irradiating the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 with excitation radiation from one or more locations within the body 108 of the cladding 102, within the substrate 106 below the cladding 102, or within the body 108 of the cladding 102 and the substrate 106 below the cladding 102. As described above, the excitation radiation generates ROS via the photosensitizer 124 incorporated into the one or more polymer layers 114 of the body 108 or a coating thereon. Finally, when the self-sterilizing system 100 includes a chemical sterilizing device for sterilizing the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102, the sterilizing operation may also include a chemical treatment operation of chemically treating the outer surface 104 of the cladding 102 using a chemical sterilizing agent incorporated into the one or more polymer layers 114 of the body 108.

[0069] The sensing operation may include sensing a subject (e.g., a patient, a clinician, a visitor, etc.) carrying a touch contaminant using one or more sensors 134 of the self-disinfecting system 100. Additionally, the sensing operation may include starting or stopping disinfection of the outer surface 104 of the envelope 102 in response to the departure or arrival of a subject carrying a touch contaminant, respectively.

[0070] Although some specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although these specific embodiments have been disclosed in considerable detail, these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Additional adaptations or modifications may be envisioned by those of ordinary skill in the art, and in broader aspects, these adaptations or modifications are also encompassed. Therefore, changes may be made to the specific embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein.

Claims

1. A self-disinfection system, characterized in that: include: a cladding comprising a flexible body formed from one or more polymer layers, the cladding configured to conform to a substrate; and A sterilizing device for sterilizing the outer surface of the envelope, the sterilizing device being selected from: a germicidal irradiation device for sterilizing the outer surface of the cladding by irradiating with germicidal radiation from one or more locations within the body of the cladding, within the substrate below the cladding, or within the body of the cladding and the substrate below the cladding; a photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding by irradiating with excitation radiation from one or more locations within the body of the cladding, within the substrate beneath the cladding, or within the body of the cladding and the substrate beneath the cladding, the excitation radiation being configured to generate reactive oxygen species via a photosensitizer incorporated into the one or more polymer layers of the body or a coating thereon; and Chemical disinfection means for disinfecting the outer surface of the envelope by chemical disinfection using a chemical disinfectant incorporated into the one or more polymer layers of the body.

2. The self-disinfecting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The body of the cladding is formed as a tape or sheet configured to conform to one or more continuous surfaces of the substrate, the one or more continuous surfaces of the substrate being selected from a flat surface and a rounded surface of the substrate.

3. The self-disinfecting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The body of the cladding is formed as a sheath configured to conform to a cylindrical surface of the substrate.

4. A self-disinfecting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The germicidal irradiation device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding includes one or more light emitters selected from light sources and an optical fiber terminal operably connected to one or more of the light sources, wherein the light sources include light emitting diodes, super luminescent LEDs, laser diodes, light bulbs and downlights.

5. The self-disinfecting system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The one or more light emitters are configured to emit light selected from broad spectrum ultraviolet light, UVA light, UVB light, UVC light, blue light, and modulated light thereof, wherein the modulated light is modulated in frequency, power, duration, or a combination thereof.

6. The self-disinfecting system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The one or more light emitters are located within the body of the cladding between outer polymer layers and inner polymer layers corresponding to at least two of the one or more polymer layers, the outer polymer layer of the body being transparent to light emitted by the one or more light emitters.

7. The self-disinfecting system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The one or more light emitters are within the substrate, and both the substrate and the one or more polymer layers of the body of the cladding are transparent to light emitted by the one or more light emitters.

8. The self-disinfecting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The photosensitizer is incorporated into the one or more polymer layers of the body.

9. The self-disinfecting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The photosensitizer is incorporated into the coating on the one or more polymer layers of the body.

10. The self-disinfecting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 8 and 9, characterized in that The photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the cladding includes one or more light emitters selected from light sources, including light emitting diodes, super luminescent LEDs, laser diodes, light bulbs and downlights, and an optical fiber terminal operably connected to one or more of the light sources.

11. The self-disinfecting system according to claim 10, characterized in that The one or more light emitters are located within the body of the cladding between outer polymer layers and inner polymer layers corresponding to at least two of the one or more polymer layers, the outer polymer layer of the body being transparent to light emitted by the one or more light emitters.

12. The self-disinfecting system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The one or more light emitters are within the substrate, and both the substrate and the one or more polymer layers of the body of the cladding are transparent to light emitted by the one or more light emitters.

13. A self-disinfecting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The germicidal irradiation device or the photocatalytic disinfection device for disinfecting the outer surface of the envelope includes an electronic circuit configured to power the germicidal irradiation device or the photocatalytic disinfection device and control its operation.

14. The self-disinfecting system according to claim 13, characterized in that The electronic circuit includes one or more sensors, and the one or more sensors are configured to sense a person to start or stop disinfecting the outer surface of the envelope by the germicidal irradiation device or the photocatalytic disinfection device when the person is sensed, and the one or more sensors are selected from passive infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, microwave sensors, acoustic sensors, floor pressure pads, infrared beam sensors, capacitive proximity sensors, thermal cameras, laser sensors, radio frequency sensors and vibration sensors.

15. A self-disinfecting system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The substrate is selected from: a hospital bed rail or frame; a grab bar; an IV pole or bracket; the surface or edge of an overbed table, nightstand, countertop or trash can; a sink, faucet or toilet; a handle or knob of a door, drawer or cabinet; a light switch and a call button.

16. A method for a self-disinfecting system, characterized in that, include: The outer surface of the cladding conformable to the substrate is sterilized, the sterilization comprising: irradiating the outer surface of the cladding with germicidal radiation from one or more locations within the flexible body of the cladding, within the substrate beneath the cladding, or within the body of the cladding and the substrate beneath the cladding; irradiating the outer surface of the cladding with excitation radiation from the one or more locations within the body of the cladding, within the substrate beneath the cladding, or within the body of the cladding and the substrate beneath the cladding, the excitation radiation generating reactive oxygen species via a photosensitizer incorporated into the one or more polymer layers of the body or a coating thereon; or The outer surface of the envelope is chemically treated using a chemical disinfectant incorporated into the one or more polymer layers of the body.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The body of the cladding is formed as a tape or sheet configured to conform to one or more continuous surfaces of the substrate, the one or more continuous surfaces of the substrate being selected from a flat surface and a rounded surface of the substrate.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The body of the cladding is formed as a sheath configured to conform to a cylindrical surface of the substrate.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that Illuminating the outer surface of the cladding includes: irradiating using one or more light emitters selected from light sources and an optical fiber terminal operably connected to one or more of the light sources, wherein the light sources include light emitting diodes, super luminescent LEDs, laser diodes, light bulbs and downlights, and the one or more light emitters are located within the substrate or within the body of the cladding between outer polymer layers and inner polymer layers corresponding to at least two of the one or more polymer layers.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that The method further comprises: sensing a person using one or more sensors of the self-disinfecting system; and The disinfection of the outer surface of the envelope is started or stopped in response to the departure or arrival of the person, respectively, and the one or more sensors are selected from passive infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, microwave sensors, acoustic sensors, floor pressure pads, infrared beam sensors, capacitive proximity sensors, thermal cameras, laser sensors, radio frequency sensors and vibration sensors.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that The substrate is selected from: a hospital bed rail or frame; a grab bar; an IV pole or bracket; the surface or edge of an overbed table, nightstand, countertop or trash can; a sink, faucet or toilet; a handle or knob of a door, drawer or cabinet; a light switch and a call button.

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