Flexible Violet-Blue LED Sterilizer for Austere Field Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization technologies, such as heavy steam sterilizers, are impractical for remote and austere environments due to power and water requirements, posing a risk to wound infection prevention in combat scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, portable sterilization device using violet-blue LEDs embedded in a flexible sheet within a reflective housing, powered by rechargeable batteries, which emits light in the 400-420 nm wavelength range to sterilize objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy steam sterilizers are used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but portability and ease of transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical steam-based sterilization system with an optical system using violet-blue LEDs emitting at 405 nm wavelength. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy steam generation equipment, water tanks, and complex mechanical components, achieving sterilization through photobiological effects of specific wavelength light on microorganisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental sterilization parameter from thermal energy (steam) to optical energy (violet-blue light at 405 nm). This parameter change enables sterilization without high temperature and pressure, dramatically reducing device weight and complexity while maintaining sterilization effectiveness against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
2Reliability
If steam sterilizers are used, then sterilization capability is improved, but power and water requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermodynamic steam generation system with an electrical-optical LED system. This eliminates the need for large amounts of potable water and reduces power consumption by using energy-efficient LED technology that directly converts electrical energy to 405 nm light without requiring boiler, pump, or steam distribution infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the water requirement from the sterilization process entirely. By using violet-blue LED light at 405 nm wavelength, the system achieves sterilization through photodamage to microbial DNA/RNA without needing water for steam generation, condensation, or disposal, making it ideal for austere environments.
3Reliability
If traditional sterilization methods are used, then sterilization thoroughness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical steam sterilization systems with a simple optical array of violet-blue LEDs. The LED array can be mounted on flexible substrates or rigid boards, requiring only electrical connection and basic housing, eliminating complex mechanical components like steam generators, pressure vessels, temperature sensors, and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses flexible printed circuit boards or flexible substrates to mount the LED array, allowing the sterilization device to conform to various shapes and sizes of medical equipment. This flexibility simplifies the device structure and enables sterilization of irregularly shaped instruments that would be difficult to treat with traditional steam methods.
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 provides effective sterilization against bacteria, viruses, and fungi with reduced energy requirements, low maintenance, and portability, suitable for resource-limited environments.
Implementation Method 1
Violet-blue visible light from the violet-blue visible light LEDs damages the DNA and RNA of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that come in contact with the LEDs
Implementation Method 2
The sterilization device may include an array of violet-blue LEDs having a wavelength of about 400 to about 420 nm... contained in a housing having at least one reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization device includes at least one flexible sheet; a plurality of violet-blue visible light light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at least partially or fully embedded in or attached to the at least one flexible sheet; and a housing having at least one reflective surface into which the at least one flexible sheet is insertable.