Medical Table Sterilization Unit with Retractable UV Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical apparatuses face challenges in effectively sterilizing contact surfaces without hindering their normal use, as insufficient ultraviolet radiation distance can lead to inadequate bactericidal effects or interference with operations.
Innovation Solution
A medical apparatus with a sterilization unit that switches between a contact state and a non-contact state, using ultraviolet light, gas, or liquid with bactericidal action, and a wiping member to sterilize the contact surface without interfering with the apparatus's normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance from the ultraviolet light source to the contact surface is reduced to improve sterilization effectiveness, then the bactericidal effect is enhanced, but the normal use of the medical apparatus may be hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization unit is designed to be movable relative to the contact surface, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. During sterilization, it moves close to the contact surface (within 10 cm) to maximize UV radiation intensity and bactericidal effect. During normal operation, it moves away to avoid interfering with medical procedures, thus resolving the contradiction between sterilization effectiveness and operational ease
2Reliability
If the sterilization unit is always close to the contact surface to ensure effective sterilization, then the bactericidal effect is maximized, but the medical apparatus cannot perform normal functions
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization unit operates periodically rather than continuously. It alternates between a sterilization state (close to contact surface for UV emission) and a retracted state (separated from contact surface for normal medical operations). This periodic switching ensures that sterilization is performed at appropriate intervals without continuously obstructing medical procedures, thus maintaining both sterilization effectiveness and treatment efficiency
3Ease of operation
If ultraviolet rays are emitted from a long distance to avoid interfering with normal use, then the medical apparatus can operate normally, but the energy is diffused and insufficient bactericidal effect is obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the distance between the ultraviolet light source and the contact surface based on operational requirements. When sterilization is needed, the unit moves close (within 10 cm) to concentrate UV energy and ensure effective bactericidal action. When normal medical procedures are performed, the unit retracts to a longer distance to avoid interference, thus resolving the energy diffusion problem while maintaining operational ease
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
Effectively sterilizes contact surfaces without disrupting the normal functioning of the medical apparatus, ensuring thorough disinfection while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a sterilization unit that is attached to the table portion or the structural portion and sterilizes the contact surface, in which the sterilization unit is configured to switch between a first state in which the sterilization unit is in contact with or close to the contact surface and a second state in which the sterilization unit is separated from the contact surface
Implementation Method 2
the sterilization unit may include a phosphor that absorbs radiation and emits ultraviolet rays, and, in the first state, the radiation radiated from the radiation source unit may be applied to the phosphor
Implementation Method 3
The sterilization unit may include a wiping member that is a member impregnated with a liquid having a bactericidal action and wipes the contact surface
Data Source
AI summary
A medical apparatus includes a table portion that has a contact surface with which a subject comes into contact, a structural portion in which a relative position with the table portion is determined within a predetermined range, and a sterilization unit that is attached to the table portion or the structural portion and sterilizes the contact surface. The sterilization unit is configured to switch between a first state in which the sterilization unit is in contact with or close to the contact surface and a second state in which the sterilization unit is separated from the contact surface.