Movable Germicidal Light Positioning for Even Surface Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disinfection systems, both static and mobile, struggle with uneven germicidal agent distribution, leading to underexposure or overexposure, and inefficiencies in disinfecting high-use/high-risk areas in healthcare settings, such as operating rooms and patient-supporting devices, due to limitations in mobility and navigation complexity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating movable germicidal sources with adjustable positioning and automated activation, such as lighting fixtures and healthcare devices with extendable arms, to ensure even germicidal agent distribution and efficient disinfection cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static automated disinfection systems are used to deliver high dose or extended operation, then disinfection coverage is improved, but material degradation of objects in the area occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable arms with adjustable positioning mechanisms that enable the germicidal source to dynamically change its position and orientation during the disinfection cycle. This dynamic positioning allows the system to deliver targeted germicidal exposure to specific surfaces while avoiding overexposure to other areas, thereby achieving reliable disinfection coverage without causing material degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies germicidal agents with varying intensity and duration to different local areas based on their specific disinfection needs. The movable positioning system enables localized adjustment of germicidal exposure, delivering high doses to high-risk surfaces while providing lower doses to areas with lower contamination risk, thus preventing unnecessary material degradation.
2Area of stationary object
If movable germicidal sources with extended reach are used, then disinfection coverage of high-use areas is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfection system is divided into modular components including the germicidal source, movable arms with adjustable positioning, and control systems. This segmentation allows the extended reach functionality to be achieved through coordinated movement of separate modules rather than requiring a single complex structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining large disinfection coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable arms and positioning mechanisms serve multiple functions: they extend the reach of the germicidal source to cover large areas, adjust positioning to target specific surfaces, and enable the system to adapt to different room layouts and disinfection scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving extensive disinfection coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous disinfection robots are used to navigate different areas, then mobility and adaptability are improved, but navigation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fixed base structure with movable arms as an intermediary system between the germicidal source and the target surfaces. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for fully autonomous mobile robots while still providing adaptability to different areas. The movable arms can be positioned and oriented to reach various surfaces within the room, providing area coverage flexibility without requiring complex autonomous navigation programming.
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 disinfection efficacy by ensuring thorough coverage of germicidal agents across varied surfaces, reducing material degradation and infection risk while optimizing disinfection time and resource use.
Implementation Method 1
automated systems, either of which may utilize germicidal light and/or chemical disinfectants
Implementation Method 2
the germicidal source is a light source configured to emit ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting fixture, a cabinet, a healthcare device for physically accommodating and supporting a patient, and a method are disclosed which incorporate one or more germicidal sources for disinfecting areas and objects of high use in a healthcare setting. The lighting fixture includes a visible light source and a germicidal light source on respectively opposing sides of a structure. The lighting fixture is configured to overturn the structure relative to an extension arm coupled to the structure. The healthcare device and the cabinet include a space configured to accommodate a germicidal source and a movable arm coupled to the germicidal source. The method includes positioning a germicidal source to be within a foot of the healthcare device via a movable arm that is coupled between the germicidal source and either an interior surface of the room or an immobile element arranged within a foot of a wall of the room.