Anti-microbial Catheter System with UVC Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter systems lack effective and economical methods for safe, sanitary, and convenient sanitization, particularly for oral-pharyngeal suction catheters, which are prone to bacterial contamination.
Innovation Solution
An anti-microbial catheter system comprising an exterior and interior container with UVC light sources, a cylindrical retainer, and operational components like a rechargeable battery, timer, and safety switch, designed to irradiate pathogens with germicidal UV light, ensuring thorough disinfection while being easy to use and maintain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional catheter storage methods are used, then the catheter is easily accessible, but the catheter becomes contaminated with bacteria and pathogens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested container structure where an inner container holding the catheter is placed inside an outer container. The inner container can be removed from the outer container, allowing the catheter to be accessed while maintaining its sterile environment. This nesting approach protects the catheter from contamination during storage and transport while enabling convenient access when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UVC light sources are added to sanitize the catheter, then pathogen elimination is effective, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates UVC light sources within the container system that automatically activate to sanitize the catheter. The system performs self-sanitization without requiring external intervention or additional equipment. The UVC lights are integrated into the container structure, allowing the system to eliminate pathogens autonomously when the catheter is placed inside, thereby reducing the need for separate sterilization devices or procedures.
3Ease of operation
If a removable inner container is used, then the catheter can be easily accessed and the container is reusable, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container system into separate segments: an outer container and an inner removable container. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes, simplifying production. The inner container can be easily removed from the outer container to access the catheter, providing convenient operation while maintaining manufacturability through modular design.
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 system effectively sanitizes catheters by eliminating bacteria, fungi, and spores using UVC light, providing a safe, sanitary, and economical solution for catheter disinfection, while being durable and cost-effective for manufacturing and consumer access.
Implementation Method 1
The sources are adapted to generate a minimum of 254 nanometers, which is considered to be optimal germicidal UVC wave length to irradiate the pathogens. In this manner it will eliminate most bacteria, fungus and spores on the catheter within the retainer.
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior container has a primary base, side walls and an open top. A primary floor is located in the exterior chamber and forms an operational chamber. An interior container has a secondary floor, side walls and top. The interior container is removably received within the exterior container. A retainer is positioned within the interior chamber for receiving a catheter. A source of light is provided within the exterior chamber to irradiate the catheter.