Surface Decontamination Indicator Wipes for Contact-Time Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfection methods lack effective visualization and compliance monitoring for ensuring thorough surface disinfection, particularly in resource-limited settings, and often require additional equipment like UV lights, which can be impractical for frequent use.
Innovation Solution
A device that dispenses an indicator composition onto wipes, featuring a processor and sensor system to monitor and control the application, ensuring proper contact time and visibility of disinfection, without the need for UV light, by using a multi-component indicator composition that changes color after application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If UV light is used for visualization of disinfection, then visual feedback is provided, but additional equipment and power source are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visualization function from the disinfectant composition itself by incorporating fluorescent markers that emit light when excited by the disinfectant's chemical action. This eliminates the need for separate UV light equipment, as the composition provides its own visual indication mechanism through the fluorescent marker's response to chemical activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent marker acts as an intermediary substance that translates the chemical action of the disinfectant into visible light signals. When the disinfectant reacts with the marker, it produces luminescence that indicates successful disinfection, serving as a mediator between the chemical process and visual feedback without requiring external UV equipment.
2Loss of information
If UV light is used for visualization, then disinfection coverage can be monitored, but frequent use is impractical due to equipment portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the portability burden by integrating the visualization capability directly into the disposable wipes themselves through fluorescent markers. Each wipe becomes a self-contained monitoring unit that provides visual feedback without requiring portable UV equipment, making frequent use practical and convenient.
Solution Approach 2:
The wipes perform self-monitoring through the fluorescent markers embedded in their structure. When the disinfectant activates the marker, the wipe itself generates the visual signal indicating successful disinfection, eliminating the need for external monitoring equipment and enabling easy, frequent use without portability constraints.
3Reliability
If contact time is extended for proper disinfection, then pathogen inactivation is improved, but compliance decreases due to time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements immediate visual feedback through fluorescent markers that illuminate when the disinfectant achieves sufficient contact time and chemical reaction with pathogens. This real-time indication allows users to verify adequate contact time has been met, increasing compliance by providing clear guidance on when disinfection is complete without requiring extended waiting periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent markers undergo a visible change from non-luminescent to luminescent state when activated by the disinfectant's chemical action. This color/luminescence change provides an intuitive visual signal that sufficient contact time has been achieved, enabling users to quickly assess disinfection completion and maintain high compliance rates while ensuring reliable pathogen inactivation.
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 compliance with disinfection protocols, reduces contamination rates, and provides visual feedback without the need for UV light, improving surface disinfection efficiency and safety in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to communicate to the processor information related to the at least one wipe directed towards the dispensing aperture
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are devices, compositions, and methods for surface disinfection and decontamination; the devices generally adapted to contain a single or multi-component indicator composition, and optionally a disinfectant composition, and to dispense the indicator composition and optional disinfectant composition to a disinfectant solution, a surface, or a disinfectant article upon actuation of the device; also provided is an article of manufacture in the form of a removable cartridge adapted to fit a device described here, which may be pre-filled with a single or multi-component indicator composition as described here, and/or with a disinfectant composition, and one or more optional additives.