System, method, and device for facilitating effective decontamination as part of a decontamination event
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current decontamination methods, particularly in healthcare settings, face challenges in effectively removing biological and chemical hazards from skin and surfaces due to inefficiencies in soap application and rinsing processes, leading to inadequate coverage and compliance issues.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a water dispenser with a built-in light source and timer to facilitate the use of a fluorescent agent, ensuring even distribution and removal of a cleansing composition, allowing real-time visual feedback on coverage and effectiveness during the decontamination process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional soap and water decontamination procedures are used, then the process is simple and accessible, but the effectiveness of contaminant removal is insufficient and compliance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a fluorescent agent in the cleansing composition that fluoresces under UV light, enabling visual verification of coverage and removal. This color change mechanism allows users to see where the cleanser has been applied and whether contaminants remain, directly improving decontamination effectiveness without requiring complex equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback through fluorescence during the decontamination process. The fluorescent agent allows users to immediately see the distribution of cleanser and the presence of remaining contaminants, enabling them to adjust their technique and ensure complete coverage and removal, thereby improving compliance and effectiveness
2Measurement precision
If fluorescent agent with UV light source is integrated into the water dispenser, then real-time visual feedback on coverage is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the UV light source, fluorescent agent dispensing system, and water dispensing system into a single integrated water dispenser unit. This merging of functions allows the system to provide illumination, deliver cleanser with fluorescent properties, and rinse all through one device, improving measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The water dispenser is designed to perform multiple functions: dispensing water for rinsing, dispensing the fluorescent cleansing composition, and providing UV illumination for visualization. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle the entire decontamination process with visual feedback, reducing the need for separate equipment and making the enhanced system more practical
3Productivity
If timer program is added to control water and light dispensing, then process standardization and compliance are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timer program implements periodic action by automatically controlling the sequence and duration of water dispensing, fluorescent composition dispensing, and UV light activation. This standardized timing ensures consistent application and rinsing durations, improving process efficiency and compliance without requiring complex user intervention or monitoring
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
Enhances the effectiveness of decontamination by ensuring thorough coverage and removal of cleansing agents, improving compliance and reducing the risk of residual contaminants, thus enhancing infection control measures.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is configured to emit the light at a sufficient intensity and wavelength so as to cause a fluorescent agent disposed about the skin or the covering of the skin of the individual to fluoresce at a wavelength in the visible spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for assessing the effectiveness of a decontamination event to decontaminate a portion of at least one of skin or a covering of the skin of an individual. A dispensing apparatus is attachable to a water dispenser via a water dispenser interface. The dispensing apparatus to house an agent dispensing system and a light source. The light source to emit light in accordance with a predetermined field of view, and to emit the light at a sufficient intensity and wavelength to cause a fluorescent agent dispensed by the agent dispensing system to fluoresce. The field of view defines an inspection space in which the portion of the individual can be positioned to detect at least one of a presence or an absence of the fluorescent agent during the decontamination event.