Portable Electron Beam Sterilization for Complete Surface Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilization methods, such as liquid disinfectants and radiation-based techniques, are inadequate for achieving complete sterilization of surfaces, particularly in hospitals and other environments, due to limitations in effectiveness, safety concerns, and unsuitability for diverse surfaces and environments.
Innovation Solution
A portable electron beam sterilization device that uses a compact modular KeV accelerator to emit an electron beam with controlled energy and dosage, integrated with a high voltage power unit and safety features like sensors and shielding, allowing for efficient and safe sterilization of various surfaces, including soft furnishings and hard surfaces, without leaving toxic residues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gamma ray sterilisation is used, then sterilisation effectiveness is improved, but device weight and complexity increase due to bulky shielding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameter of the radiation from gamma rays (high energy, highly penetrating) to electron beams (lower energy, less penetrating). This parameter change reduces the shielding requirements and device weight while maintaining sterilisation effectiveness for surface applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical shielding system required for gamma rays with a compact electron beam generation system. The electron beam source and associated electronics substitute for the heavy lead shielding and radioisotope storage facilities needed for gamma ray sterilisation.
2Reliability
If X-ray sterilisation is used, then sterilisation effectiveness is improved, but device weight increases due to shielding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the radiation type from X-rays to electron beams, altering the energy penetration characteristics. Electron beams at the specified energy levels provide sufficient sterilisation capability with reduced shielding needs compared to X-ray systems.
3Ease of operation
If liquid disinfectants are used, then ease of operation is improved, but sterilisation completeness deteriorates due to resistance of certain microorganisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical disinfectants with a physical electron beam sterilisation system. This substitution eliminates the limitations of chemical resistance while maintaining ease of operation through simple device activation and surface scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sterilisation mechanism from chemical interaction to physical radiation interaction. Electron beams deliver energy directly to microorganisms, destroying their cellular structures and DNA/RNA, which overcomes the resistance mechanisms that protect bacteria against chemical disinfectants.
4Reliability
If hydrogen peroxide vapour is used, then sterilisation effectiveness is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive preparation and room shutdown requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex vapour generation and room sealing system with a portable electron beam device. This substitution eliminates the need for room shutdown and extensive preparation, allowing immediate sterilisation of targeted surfaces while the room remains operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sterilisation process from whole-room treatment to targeted surface treatment. The portable device can be moved to specific areas needing sterilisation, eliminating the need to shut down entire rooms and reducing preparation time while maintaining sterilisation effectiveness for the treated surfaces.
5Weight of moving object
If UV sterilisation is used, then device portability is improved, but sterilisation effectiveness deteriorates in shaded areas and under dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the radiation type from UV light to electron beams, fundamentally altering the interaction mechanism with microorganisms. Electron beams can penetrate through and around obstacles more effectively than UV light, delivering sterilisation energy to microorganisms in shaded areas and under surface contaminants.
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 device effectively sterilizes surfaces by delivering a precise dosage of electron beams, ensuring complete elimination of microorganisms while minimizing exposure risks and operational disruptions, suitable for diverse environments and surfaces, including those resistant to traditional disinfectants.
Implementation Method 1
an electron beam source arranged within the housing and having an outlet for emission of an electron beam through the surface targeting portion
Implementation Method 2
Electron beams (e-beams) kill microbes by destroying vital molecules or causing a chemical reaction within the microorganism
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a portable electron beam sterilisation device (1) comprising a sterilisation portion (2) which includes a housing (3), having a surface targeting portion (4). The sterilisation portion further includes an electron beam source (6) arranged within the housing and having an outlet (7) for emission of an electron beam through the surface targeting portion. The device also comprises a high voltage power unit (8), for converting mains supply to high voltage and supplying power to the electron beam source. The device comprises a connector for connection to a standard mains supply (13).