Automated Probe Sterilization Device with UV Light and Couplant Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current probe sterilization devices are prone to cross-contamination between the device and the ultrasonic probe, as well as between individuals, due to manual operation and contamination risks during the sterilization process.
Innovation Solution
A probe sterilization device with a housing, cover plate drive, ultraviolet light source, and processor that automates the sterilization process by opening the housing to allow probe placement without direct contact, using UV light for sterilization, and includes a couplant releasing assembly for automatic couplant application to prevent manual contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to operate the sterilization device, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to cross-contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization device performs self-service through automated operations. The cover plate automatically opens and closes, the ultraviolet light source automatically activates and deactivates, and the couplant releasing assembly automatically applies couplant to the probe. This eliminates the need for manual operation while maintaining ease of use through automatic execution of sterilization procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems. The cover plate drive mechanism substitutes for manual opening/closing, the processor and control circuit substitute for manual timing and operation, and the couplant releasing assembly substitutes for manual couplant application. This substitution eliminates cross-contamination risk while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the cover plate is always open for probe placement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors worsen due to exposure to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is pre-positioned in a closed state to protect the probe during sterilization. The automated cover plate drive opens the cover plate only when needed for probe placement, then automatically closes it afterward. This preliminary positioning and automated timing prevents contamination exposure while maintaining ease of probe placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated cover plate drive mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the probe. Instead of manually opening and closing the cover plate, the user simply places the probe, and the intermediary system handles the cover plate operations, eliminating direct contact and contamination risk while maintaining operational ease.
3Reliability
If the ultraviolet light source is always on for sterilization, then the reliability is improved, but the use of energy worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The ultraviolet light source operates periodically rather than continuously. The control circuit activates the light source only during the sterilization cycle when the probe is in the sterilization chamber, and deactivates it afterward. This periodic operation maintains sterilization effectiveness while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit uses feedback from the processor to determine when to activate and deactivate the ultraviolet light source. The system monitors the sterilization cycle status and automatically controls the light source accordingly, ensuring it operates only when needed for sterilization while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during other periods.
4Ease of operation
If manual couplant application is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to contamination during application
Solution Approach 1:
The couplant releasing assembly performs self-service by automatically applying couplant to the probe without manual intervention. The assembly is positioned and configured to automatically dispense couplant during the sterilization process, eliminating the need for manual couplant application and associated contamination risks while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual couplant application with an automated couplant releasing assembly. The mechanical system automatically positions and dispenses couplant onto the probe, substituting for manual operations. This eliminates contamination risk during application while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
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 solution prevents cross-contamination by ensuring full automation and indirect handling of the probe, ensuring thorough sterilization of both the probe and couplant, thereby reducing the risk of infection and improving hygiene in ultrasonic imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet light source, arranged in the housing and capable of being turned on in response to a light source control signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a probe sterilization device including: a housing defining a cavity with an opening, the housing including a cover plate capable of covering the opening; a cover plate drive, capable of driving, in response to a cover plate drive control signal, the cover plate to move so as to open the opening; a support, arranged in the housing and capable of fixing the probe; an ultraviolet light source, arranged in the housing and capable of being turned on in response to a light source control signal; and a processor, electrically connected to the cover plate drive and capable of sending the cover plate drive control signal to the cover plate drive, and electrically connected to the ultraviolet light source and capable of sending the light source control signal to the ultraviolet light source. The present application further discloses a probe sterilization method and an ultrasonic imaging system.