Pulsed UV Sterilization with Reflective Spherical Enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sterilizing tools and equipment exposed to hazardous infectious agents, bacteria, and pathogens are not rapid or effective enough.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a UV source with a highly reflecting diffuse inner coated surface, such as a spherical enclosure with a high power Excimer laser emitting nanosecond UV light pulses, to generate pulsed UV light for uniform illumination and sterilization of tools and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional sterilization methods are used, then sterilization is achieved, but the process is not rapid enough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulsed UV light irradiation instead of continuous illumination. The UV source emits light in periodic pulses, allowing for rapid sterilization while managing energy delivery to pathogens. This periodic action achieves both speed and effectiveness by concentrating energy delivery in intense bursts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of UV light delivery from continuous to pulsed mode, and adjusts the intensity and duration of pulses to optimize both sterilization speed and effectiveness. By modifying these parameters, the system achieves rapid pathogen elimination while maintaining reliable sterilization outcomes.
2Illumination intensity
If UV light is used for sterilization, then pathogenic organisms are eliminated, but uniform illumination of the enclosure interior is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a spherical or substantially spherical enclosure geometry to achieve uniform UV illumination. The curved spherical surface naturally distributes light evenly throughout the interior space, eliminating shadowed areas and ensuring all surfaces receive consistent UV exposure without requiring complex multi-source illumination systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a highly reflective diffuse coating on the interior surface of the spherical enclosure as an intermediary element. This coating scatters and redistributes UV light uniformly across all surfaces, ensuring even illumination while keeping the illumination system simple. The reflective coating acts as a mediator that enhances light distribution without adding mechanical complexity.
3Reliability
If high intensity UV light is used to maximize lethality, then sterilization effectiveness improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pulsed UV light delivery where high-intensity light is emitted in periodic bursts rather than continuously. This allows the system to achieve high lethality during each pulse while consuming less total energy compared to continuous operation at the same peak intensity, thus balancing effectiveness with energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The highly reflective diffuse coating ensures that UV light is continuously distributed and reused throughout the enclosure interior. Rather than requiring continuous high-power light sources, the system maintains effective illumination by continuously reflecting and redistributing light pulses, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
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
Achieves rapid and efficient sterilization of tools and equipment by uniformly illuminating the interior of the enclosure with pulsed UV light, maximizing lethality against pathogenic organisms.
Implementation Method 1
a highly reflecting diffuse inner coated surface
Implementation Method 2
using a UV source to generate a pulsed UV light within an enclosure having a highly reflecting diffuse inner coated surface; and absorbing the pulsed light to sterilize
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for sterilizing a tools and equipment are disclosed, including using a UV source to generate a pulsed UV light within or exterior to an enclosure having a highly reflecting diffuse inner coated surface; and absorbing the pulsed light to sterilize. Other embodiments are described and claimed.