Optical Fiber Connector Fluid Channel for Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical fibers used in medical treatments for cancerous growths are expensive and cannot be reused due to contamination, as existing sterilization methods are insufficient for germ destruction within established times.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber with a connector piece designed for easy cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization, featuring a recessed connector with a fluid channel for directed fluid flow, and a gripping piece for improved handling, allowing for effective removal of impurities and bacteria using devices like autoclaves and cleaning chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibres are used for medical treatments, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but contamination occurs making reuse impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The connector piece is designed with a recess that receives the optical fibre, separating the fibre from the connector body. This extraction allows the connector piece to be independently sterilized while the fibre remains protected, enabling reuse of both components without cross-contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid channel is introduced as an intermediary element within the connector piece, allowing sterilizing agents to flow through and reach all internal surfaces. This mediator enables thorough sterilization of previously inaccessible areas, eliminating contamination risks.
2Reliability
If sterilization is performed on contaminated fibres, then germ destruction is attempted, but sufficient germ-destruction rate cannot be achieved within established times
Solution Approach 1:
The connector piece is designed with a fluid channel structure that pre-prepares the path for sterilizing agent flow. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when sterilization occurs, the agent immediately reaches all critical surfaces, achieving rapid and thorough germ destruction within the established 3-5 minute time frame.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid channel is integrated into the connector piece, utilizing hydraulic flow to deliver sterilizing agents through directed flows. This allows cleaning and sterilization fluids to circulate efficiently through the connector, achieving complete germ destruction within the required time without manual intervention.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If optical fibres are disposed of after treatment, then contamination is avoided, but economic costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the entire optical fibre assembly after treatment, the invention enables recovery and reuse of both the fibre and connector piece through effective sterilization. The connector piece with its fluid channel design allows complete sterilization, making both components reusable and eliminating disposal costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector piece structure is changed to include a fluid channel, fundamentally altering its sterilization capability. This parameter change from a simple connector to a channel-integrated connector enables repeated sterilization cycles, transforming the component from single-use to multi-use and reducing economic costs.
4Ease of operation
If connector pieces have recesses for fibre accommodation, then fibre positioning is improved, but dead-ends form where germs collect
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of accepting the dead-end recess as a fixed structure, the invention inverts the approach by introducing a fluid channel that actively penetrates the recess. This transforms the previously harmful dead-end space into a sterilizable region, allowing cleaning fluids to reach and eliminate germs that would otherwise collect in the recess.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid channel adds a new dimensional pathway through the connector piece structure. By creating this additional flow dimension, the design enables sterilizing agents to access the recess area from multiple directions, preventing germ accumulation in previously inaccessible dead-ends while maintaining proper fibre positioning.
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 economical reuse of optical fibers by ensuring thorough cleaning and sterilization, preventing germ collection and facilitating efficient disinfection and sterilization processes, thereby extending the fiber's lifespan and reducing disposal costs.
Implementation Method 1
fluid channel, which begins at the end of the recess and through which a fluid can move
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical fibre with a connector piece that has a recess, such as a bore hole, for instance, for accommodating the optical fibre, wherein a fluid channel (18, 14) is provided that begins at the end of the recess and through which a fluid can pass. The invention furthermore relates to an optical fibre with a plug with a gripping piece that has two end openings, wherein the fibre enters into the gripping piece in one end opening and the light of the fibre or the fibre can exit from the gripping piece through the other end opening, wherein the end openings (15, 16) of the gripping piece (2) are interconnected in a way allowing throughflow.