Disinfectant visualization sheet, disinfectant visualization particle, disinfectant visualization method using sheet or particle, and information acquisition system

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disinfection visualization methods are not effective for long-term preservation and easy confirmation of disinfectant application, particularly in large-scale disinfection scenarios, as they require special tools, are difficult to implement, and manual recording is time-consuming and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A disinfectant visualization sheet and particle system with a color-developing portion containing a visualization agent that changes color upon disinfectant application, allowing for easy visual confirmation and long-term storage, combined with an information acquisition system for accurate recording and management of disinfectant application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fluorescent material in ultraviolet range is used to visualize disinfection operation, then the completion of disinfectant application can be visualized, but a special tool is needed and it is not easy to implement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisinfection visualizationVSAvoidspecial tool requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses disposable test strips containing pH-sensitive dyes that change color upon contact with disinfectant. These single-use strips eliminate the need for expensive, complex ultraviolet lighting equipment while providing clear visual indication of disinfection completion. The strips are discarded after use, avoiding the need for maintenance and calibration of sophisticated devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pH-responsive dyes that undergo color changes when exposed to disinfectant solutions. Different dyes indicate different pH ranges, providing visual feedback on disinfectant application. This simple optical change eliminates the need for special ultraviolet tools and makes the visualization process accessible with ordinary lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If two reactive substances are mixed into one solution for pH responsive dye visualization, then the developed color can be changed, but long-term preservation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor developmentVSAvoidpreservation period
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the two reactive substances into different compartments or layers within the test strip. The pH-sensitive dye is embedded in the strip matrix, while the disinfectant reacts with it upon application. This segmentation prevents premature reaction between components, enabling long-term storage of the test strips without degradation, while still allowing color development when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The test strips are prepared in advance with the pH-sensitive dye pre-loaded and stabilized in a dormant state. The dye is protected from degradation by maintaining it in a stable matrix until the moment of use. This preliminary preparation allows the strips to be stored for extended periods and then activated on-demand when disinfectant is applied, combining long-term preservation with effective color development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If manual recording is used to record completion of disinfectant application, then the information can be recorded, but time and effort are needed and errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication information recordingVSAvoidrecording efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The test strips automatically provide visual indication of disinfection completion through color changes, eliminating the need for manual recording operations. The color-changing mechanism serves itself to record and communicate the application status. This self-service approach removes the burden of manual data entry, reduces human error, and maintains high productivity by providing immediate, error-free visual feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual recording (writing or data entry) with an automatic chemical-optical system. The pH-sensitive dye automatically detects and records the presence of disinfectant through color change, substituting human manual operations with an automated sensing mechanism. This eliminates time consumption and errors associated with manual recording while maintaining complete information about application status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables easy and accurate visual confirmation of disinfectant application on surfaces and efficient recording of disinfectant application information, reducing manual errors and improving productivity in disinfection processes.

Implementation Method 1

changing a developed color of a pH responsive dye by utilizing a reaction between a disinfectant and the pH responsive dye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectpH responsive dye reaction:

Data Source

PatentUS20240050614A1Disinfectant visualization sheet, disinfectant visualization particle, disinfectant visualization method using sheet or particle, and information acquisition system
Publication Date: 2024.02.15 CANON KK
  • US20240050614A1 patent drawing
  • US20240050614A1 patent drawing
  • US20240050614A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A disinfectant visualization sheet includes a base and a color developing portion disposed on the base, wherein the color developing portion contains a visualization agent of which color developing state changes with application of a disinfectant.