Stereo UV Camera Mapping for H2O2 Vapor Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plasma sterilization systems using hydrogen peroxide gas plasma technology struggle to determine uniform distribution of hydrogen peroxide vapor within the vacuum chamber, leading to uncertain sterilization effectiveness, especially when sterilizing equipment with narrow lumens, as existing methods provide only a gross concentration reading and lack detailed 3D visualization.
Innovation Solution
The use of stereoscopic UV cameras to visualize and map the three-dimensional distribution of hydrogen peroxide vapor concentration within the chamber, allowing for precise measurement of vapor concentration at multiple points and eliminating the need for biological indicators, by focusing cameras on objects, transmitting UV light, scanning for absorbance, and calculating concentration based on absorbance levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single UV light source and detector are used to measure hydrogen peroxide concentration, then the system is simple and provides a gross concentration reading, but the system cannot determine uniform distribution of sterilant vapor within the chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the chamber into multiple measurement zones by using multiple UV light sources and detectors positioned at different locations. Each source-detector pair measures concentration in its specific zone, enabling 3D spatial mapping of hydrogen peroxide distribution throughout the chamber volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point measurement approach to a three-dimensional spatial measurement approach by positioning multiple detectors at different locations and heights within the chamber. This enables visualization of concentration distribution across the entire chamber volume rather than providing only a single gross reading.
2Loss of information
If existing detection methods are used, then the system is simple, but it provides only a gross concentration reading and lacks detailed 3D visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent measurement units, each consisting of a UV light source and detector pair positioned at specific locations. Each unit provides localized concentration data, and the combined data creates a comprehensive 3D spatial map of sterilant distribution throughout the chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple optical paths by positioning several UV light sources and detectors at different locations. Each source-detector pair creates a light path through the chamber, and the combination of these paths provides comprehensive coverage of the 3D space, enabling detailed spatial visualization of concentration distribution.
3Reliability
If biological indicators are used to confirm sterilization, then the method is simple, but it cannot provide real-time visualization of vapor spread and contact with objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback by continuously measuring hydrogen peroxide concentration at multiple locations throughout the chamber during the sterilization process. The detected concentration data is processed to generate visualizations showing vapor spread and contact with objects, enabling real-time confirmation of sterilization effectiveness without waiting for biological indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the biological indicator method with an optical detection system that uses UV light sources and cameras to visualize and measure hydrogen peroxide concentration distribution. This substitution enables real-time, non-contact measurement and visualization of sterilant vapor spread, eliminating the need for time-consuming biological indicator testing.
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
This approach provides accurate 3D visualization of hydrogen peroxide vapor distribution, ensuring uniform sterilization across the chamber, confirming vapor spread and contact with objects, and enabling precise control of sterilant concentration, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the sterilization process.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogen peroxide vapor absorbs UV light at high frequencies
Implementation Method 2
the received ultraviolet light is measured with a single ultraviolet light detector
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for UV detection of sterilant concentration and dissipation in a volume of a chamber may comprise focusing cameras on at least one point of an object in the chamber; transmitting UV light and sterilant into the chamber; scanning, using the cameras, the at least one point of the object and determining an amount of absorbance at the points; calculating, using the amount of absorbance, a concentration of the sterilant for each of the one or more points; and when the concentration is greater than a threshold, removing the sterilant from the volume. The sterilant may be hydrogen peroxide. The cameras may be stereoscopic cameras. The chamber may be partitioned into a grid of voxels for scanning.