Modular UV Disinfection Units for Reconfigurable Medical Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection systems in medical facilities are often stationary, inflexible, and difficult to adapt or move, leading to high costs and inefficiencies due to their large size and limited mobility, which hinders effective disinfection of various equipment and spaces.
Innovation Solution
A modular disinfection system comprising interchangeable units with energy sources, such as UV light, and disinfecting agents, designed to be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for flexible configuration and deployment in different settings to effectively disinfect a wide range of objects and surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stationary UV disinfection system is installed within a medical setting, then it can effectively disinfect mobile equipment in a specific space, but it has limited applications and cannot adapt when changes occur with the space or equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfection system is divided into multiple modular units that can be independently configured and assembled. Each module contains essential disinfection components, allowing the system to be segmented into smaller, more adaptable units that can be reconfigured for different spaces and equipment types without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed installation to a dynamic, reconfigurable structure. Modular components can be moved, added, or removed based on changing disinfection needs, enabling the system to adapt to different medical equipment and spatial arrangements while maintaining effective UV irradiation coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If a large-scale disinfection system is assembled within a room, then it can disinfect larger objects and spaces, but it becomes difficult to transport, move, or modify due to its size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The large-scale disinfection system is segmented into multiple transportable modules that can be moved independently through standard doorways and then assembled to cover large areas. This segmentation allows the system to achieve extensive coverage while maintaining ease of transport and repositioning by moving only individual modules rather than the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Modular components are designed to nest within each other or attach to existing structures when not in use, allowing compact storage and easy transport. The system can be configured in different sizes by nesting or unfolding modules, enabling large-scale disinfection coverage while maintaining mobility through compact form factor during transport.
3Reliability
If a unitary disinfection structure is used, then the system provides a complete disinfection solution, but it requires replacement of the entire system when individual components fail
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfection system is segmented into independent functional modules, each containing essential disinfection components. When a component fails, only the affected module needs to be replaced or repaired rather than the entire system, significantly reducing downtime and labor costs while maintaining system completeness through modular replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables easy discarding of failed components and recovery of functional modules. Individual modules can be quickly swapped out and replaced with new or refurbished units, allowing rapid system recovery without replacing the entire disinfection structure, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining system reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a modular disinfection system is used, then the system can be easily reconfigured and adapted to different settings, but it requires multiple components that must be assembled and coordinated
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that allow the same basic module to serve multiple functions in different configurations. This universality reduces the number of unique component types needed while maintaining high configuration flexibility, as the same module can be arranged in various patterns to suit different disinfection requirements.
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
The modular system enhances adaptability and efficiency in disinfecting various medical equipment and spaces, reducing downtime and labor costs by allowing for easy reconfiguration and maintenance, while ensuring effective pathogen reduction with customizable disinfection levels and modes.
Implementation Method 1
UV light sources capable of emitting ultraviolet (UV) light, which can be used to disinfect objects
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for a disinfection system formed of a plurality of modular units, wherein each modular unit is (1) coupleable to at least one other modular unit from the plurality of modular units and (2) includes an energy source from a plurality of energy sources. The plurality of energy sources can be configured to provide energy having an intensity capable of disinfecting a surface of the object located in a disinfecting area. The disinfection system can be used with object indicator tags and/or include one or more safety features.