Medical Imaging Sensor Disinfection Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging apparatuses face challenges in sensor disinfection, as existing methods either fail to provide optimal disinfection or risk damaging the sensors due to complex procedures, and require specific disinfection means that can be difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a disinfecting chamber with UV radiation generation and a control panel on the medical imaging apparatus, allowing for in-situ disinfection of sensors without disconnection, along with traceability features to ensure effective disinfection and data recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is disconnected and immersed in disinfecting solution, then optimal disinfection is achieved, but the sensor and connectors may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A disinfection chamber with UV radiation generation means is introduced as an intermediary device. The chamber allows the sensor to be disinfected in-situ without direct contact with disinfecting solutions, using UV radiation as a mediator to achieve disinfection while avoiding mechanical damage from disconnection and chemical damage from solution immersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical process of disconnecting and immersing the sensor in liquid disinfectant is replaced by a UV radiation-based disinfection system. The UV radiation means generate disinfecting radiation that penetrates and disinfects the sensor while it remains connected and positioned in the chamber, eliminating the need for manual handling and solution immersion.
2Ease of operation
If wiping with disinfection cloth is used, then ease of operation is improved, but disinfection effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Manual wiping with disinfection cloth is replaced by automated UV radiation generation. The UV radiation means automatically disinfect the sensor when the chamber is activated, providing both ease of operation (simple activation) and high disinfection effectiveness (UV penetration and broad-spectrum disinfection).
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfection chamber is integrated into the medical imaging apparatus, allowing the sensor to be disinfected in-situ without removal. The system serves itself by having built-in UV radiation means that automatically disinfect the sensor when needed, eliminating the need for external disinfection procedures.
3Reliability
If disconnection and reconnection of sensor is performed, then disinfection is achieved, but connector deterioration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfection chamber acts as an intermediary that enables disinfection without physical disconnection. The UV radiation means penetrate through the chamber to disinfect the sensor while it remains connected to the apparatus, avoiding repeated connection and disconnection cycles that degrade the connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is extracted from its operational position and placed in the disinfection chamber for disinfection, but unlike traditional methods, it remains electrically connected throughout the process. The chamber design allows the sensor to be positioned for disinfection while maintaining its connection, extracting only the physical positioning function while preserving the electrical connection.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a medical imaging apparatus comprising a frame (2) whereon is mounted at least one medical imaging data processing unit (4) connected at least to imaging sensor forming means (5,7,8,9), and to image display forming means (6). The invention is characterized in that the frame (2) comprises at least one integrated chamber (11) for disinfecting the sensor forming means, including means for generating a disinfecting radiation and adapted to implement a sanitizing cycle thereof.