Self-Sterilizing Touchscreen With Integrated UVC LED Sanitization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical devices with touchscreen displays face contamination issues due to multiple operators accessing the same surface, leading to bacterial/viral load and potential cross-contamination between patients, with inadequate cleaning routines failing to effectively reduce pathogen transfer.

Innovation Solution

Integrate or position UV light-emitting diode (LED) engines along the perimeter of the touchscreen to emit UVC radiation, effectively sterilizing the surface by generating UV light of specific wavelengths (200-222 nm) that kill pathogens without harming human skin or eyes, using a detachable frame or embedding LEDs within the display's backlight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple operators access the touchscreen display, then the usability and functionality of the medical device is improved, but the bacterial and viral load on the screen increases leading to cross-contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility by multiple operatorsVSAvoidbacterial and viral contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs sterilization automatically between uses by detecting when the medical device transitions between patients. The controller activates UV LEDs to sterilize the touchscreen surface before the next operator uses it, preventing cross-contamination without interfering with normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The touchscreen display system sterilizes itself automatically using integrated UV LEDs. The controller monitors device usage and triggers self-sterilization when needed, eliminating the need for manual cleaning by operators while maintaining hygiene between patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual cleaning routines are implemented, then the possibility of pathogen transfer is reduced, but the time required for cleaning and the risk of inadequate sterilization increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen reduction effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning routine time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical cleaning with automated UV light sterilization. The controller activates UV LEDs that emit germicidal radiation to destroy pathogens on the touchscreen surface, providing reliable sterilization without requiring operator time or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the sterilization approach from chemical cleaning agents to physical UV radiation. The controller regulates UV LED activation based on detected patient transitions, applying appropriate UV dosage to ensure pathogen elimination while minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If UV sterilization is implemented, then the sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidintegration of UV LEDs and controller

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines the UV sterilization function with the existing touchscreen display structure. UV LEDs are integrated into the display assembly, and the sterilization control is merged with the device's existing controller, eliminating the need for separate sterilization equipment and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touchscreen display system performs multiple functions: normal display operation and automatic sterilization. The integrated controller manages both patient interface operations and sterilization cycles, while the UV LEDs serve dual purposes of illumination and germicidal radiation, simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 UVC radiation effectively disinfects the touchscreen, reducing cross-contamination risks and improving hygiene in medical facilities by ensuring a sterilized surface for each user, without the need for external agents or manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

generating ultraviolet light of a first wavelength from one or more light emitting diode (LED) engines

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

the ultraviolet (UV) light flooding the touchscreen to sterilize the touchscreen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS12496462B2Methods and systems for self-sterilizing touch screen

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

Various methods and systems are provided for a self-sanitizing touchscreen in a liquid crystal display of a medical device. In one example, ultraviolet light of a first wavelength may be generated from one or more light emitting diode (LED) engines positioned along a perimeter of the touchscreen or integrated in the LCD assembly to sanitize the touchscreen, the ultraviolet (UV) light flooding the touchscreen to sanitize the touchscreen.