Ultrasonic Probe UV Sterilization Case With Elastic Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disinfection methods for medical ultrasonic probes, such as chemical immersion, atomizing hydrogen peroxide, surface wiping, and ultraviolet irradiation using gas discharge lamps, face issues like surface damage, environmental pollution, uneven disinfection, and potential harm to operators and patients, while lacking stable and omnidirectional disinfection solutions.

Innovation Solution

A portable ultraviolet sterilization case with a sterilization container and a fixing clamp set, featuring elastic clamps and evenly distributed UV light sources, ensures stable placement and omnidirectional disinfection of ultrasonic probes, using UVC LED lamps and UV reflecting materials to enhance disinfection efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical immersion method is used for high-level sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the probe surface may be damaged and chemicals may harm operators and patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidprobe surface damage and chemical harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical sterilization methods with a physical ultraviolet irradiation system. The UV lamp emits ultraviolet light that penetrates the probe surface to achieve sterilization without using chemicals, thus avoiding surface damage and chemical harm to operators and patients while maintaining high-level sterilization effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the sterilization parameter from chemical concentration to ultraviolet light intensity and exposure time. By controlling the UV lamp power (40W-100W) and irradiation duration (30-60 minutes), the system achieves effective sterilization without the harmful side effects of chemical agents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If atomizing hydrogen peroxide sterilization method is used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but chemical reagent residues may harm operators and patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidchemical reagent residues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes physical ultraviolet irradiation for chemical hydrogen peroxide atomization. The UV lamp directly irradiates the probe surface, eliminating the need for chemical reagents and their associated residue problems while achieving comparable or superior sterilization effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If surface wiping method is used for disinfection, then ease of operation is improved, but disinfection uniformity is poor and consumables cause environmental pollution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection operation simplicityVSAvoiddisinfection uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual wiping with automatic ultraviolet irradiation. The UV lamp automatically irradiates the probe surface uniformly without requiring manual intervention, ensuring consistent disinfection quality while eliminating consumable waste and environmental pollution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface contact (wiping) to three-dimensional volumetric irradiation (UV light penetration). The ultraviolet light can penetrate and disinfect the probe surface from multiple angles and depths simultaneously, achieving uniform disinfection without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If gas discharge UV lamp is used for ultraviolet irradiation, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the glass cover is easy to be damaged and internal gas leakage may harm operators and pollute the atmosphere

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidglass cover damage and gas leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable or easily replaceable UV lamp design with a protective housing. When the lamp deteriorates or breaks, it can be quickly replaced without affecting the entire sterilization system, minimizing downtime and maintaining cost-effectiveness while eliminating the need for complex gas containment systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a protective housing and positioning structure as an intermediary between the UV lamp and the probe. This housing contains any potential gas leakage and protects operators, while the lamp positioning ensures effective irradiation is maintained even if the lamp needs replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Ease of operation

If ultrasonic probe is placed freely in sterilization container, then ease of operation is improved, but the probe may collide with inner wall and affect disinfection quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe placement convenienceVSAvoiddisinfection quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sterilization container into distinct zones: a probe placement area with positioning structures and a UV irradiation area. The positioning structures (such as guide rails or designated slots) guide the probe into the correct position, preventing collision with the container walls while ensuring the probe surface is optimally exposed to UV irradiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces positioning structures (guide rails, slots, or support fixtures) as intermediaries between the probe and the container walls. These structures guide the probe into the correct position during placement, preventing direct contact with the container walls while maintaining ease of operation and ensuring reliable disinfection quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides stable, efficient, and safe disinfection of ultrasonic probes by preventing collision and ensuring uniform UV radiation, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing disinfection efficacy through elastic clamping and even UV distribution.

Implementation Method 1

the ultraviolet irradiation method uses ultraviolet light with a specific wavelength range to uniformly irradiate the probe surface to achieve high-level disinfection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet irradiation: Light

Implementation Method 2

pairs of clamps trap the ultrasonic probe stably by an elastic structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic structure pressure: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12514941B2Portable ultraviolet sterilization case for ultrasonic probe

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 SHENZHEN LU MEI KANG ER MEDICAL TECH CO LTD

AI summary

This invention relates to the technology of sterilizing medical ultrasonic probes, and discloses a portable ultraviolet sterilization case for ultrasonic probe, which includes a sterilization container for disinfecting and storing the ultrasonic probe, and a fixing clamp set configured to the interior of the sterilization container, wherein pairs of clamps trap the ultrasonic probe stably by an elastic structure. Hence the ultrasonic probe can be placed without colliding with the inner wall of the container.