Anti-microbial Catheter Sanitization Using Nested UVC Containers

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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 safe and sanitary catheter sanitization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional catheter storage methods are used, then the catheter is easily accessible, but the catheter becomes contaminated with bacteria and pathogens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested container structure where an inner container holding the catheter is placed inside an outer container. The inner container features a transparent front wall allowing visibility, while the outer container provides structural support and houses UVC light sources. This nesting arrangement enables effective sanitization through UVC irradiation while maintaining organized storage and easy access to the catheter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen eliminationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical or chemical sanitization methods with UVC light irradiation. The UVC light sources are positioned within the outer container to directly irradiate the catheter in the inner container, eliminating the need for complex mechanical cleaning mechanisms or chemical disinfectants. This substitution provides effective pathogen elimination while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the container structure is made transparent for visibility, then the catheter can be easily located, but the structural integrity and protection are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter accessibilityVSAvoidcontainer protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making only the front wall of the inner container transparent while keeping the remaining walls opaque. This allows the catheter to be visually located through the transparent front wall while the opaque walls provide enhanced structural integrity and protection. The selective transparency maintains both accessibility and protective functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If the catheter is stored in a sealed container for sanitation, then contamination is prevented, but access to the catheter becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidcatheter access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The nested container structure allows the inner container with the catheter to be easily removed from the outer container when access is needed. The inner container maintains a sealed environment for sanitation while its removable design enables quick access to the catheter without compromising the protective sealing during storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 eliminates bacteria, fungi, and spores on catheters using UVC light, providing a safe, sanitary, and economical sanitization method, ensuring durability and reliability while being cost-effective for manufacturing and consumer access.

Implementation Method 1

The panels are adapted to generate a minimum of 254 nanometers, which is considered to be optimal germicidal UVC wave length to irradiate the pathogens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUVC radiation: Light

Implementation Method 2

In this manner it will eliminate most bacteria, fungus and spores on the catheter within the retainer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGermicidal effect: Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS8357330B1Anti-microbial catheter system

Publication Date: 2013.01.22 ERDLEN KELLY

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 square 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.