Fluorescent Agent Dispensing System for Decontamination Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current decontamination methods, such as hand washing, are inefficient in removing biological or chemical hazards due to soap-application bias and inefficiencies in the washing process, leading to inadequate coverage and compliance issues in both healthcare and public settings.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a water dispenser with a light source and fluorescent agent to facilitate effective decontamination, where the fluorescent agent causes visible fluorescence under light, ensuring proper application and removal of a cleansing agent, allowing real-time inspection during the decontamination process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hand washing with soap is used, then the decontamination process is simple and easy to operate, but the coverage is inadequate and effectiveness is poor due to soap-application bias
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescent agents that change color or emit light under specific illumination to indicate the presence and distribution of cleansing agent on the skin. This visual feedback mechanism allows users to see exactly where the cleanser has been applied, ensuring complete coverage and identifying missed areas, thereby resolving the soap-application bias problem without significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time visual feedback through fluorescent markers and light sources that illuminate the inspection space. This feedback loop allows users to immediately assess whether proper decontamination coverage has been achieved and adjust their washing technique accordingly, transforming the unreliable traditional hand-washing process into an effective, self-correcting procedure
2Reliability
If extensive scrubbing protocols are implemented to improve decontamination coverage, then cleaning effectiveness increases, but the time required for decontamination increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent agent is applied preliminarily or simultaneously with the cleansing agent before the washing process begins. This preliminary marking allows users to see the exact distribution of cleanser on their skin from the start, enabling them to focus their scrubbing efforts only on areas that need coverage rather than performing exhaustive scrubbing of all surfaces, thereby reducing overall decontamination time while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time visual feedback from the fluorescent markers under illumination allows users to immediately identify areas with insufficient coverage during the washing process. This enables targeted, efficient scrubbing of only those specific areas that require attention, eliminating the need for prolonged, exhaustive scrubbing protocols while ensuring complete decontamination coverage
3Measurement precision
If fluorescent agents and light sources are added to the water dispenser, then real-time inspection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluorescent agent dispensing system, light source, and water dispenser into a single integrated unit. The fluorescent agent is combined with or dispensed alongside the cleansing agent through the same or adjacent dispensing mechanisms, and the light source is positioned within the water dispenser housing to illuminate the inspection space. This integration approach provides real-time inspection capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by combining multiple functions into one cohesive 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
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 in various settings.
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 water dispenser housing a light source and an agent dispensing system. 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.