Sterilizing Device With Aperture UV Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilization methods for patient access sites, such as alcohol wipes and UV exposure devices, are inefficient, incomplete, and can cause patient discomfort or damage to the access sites, leading to inconsistent sterilization and reduced usability.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flexible tether and a receiving aperture housing a circular battery with a UV source positioned at an end, allowing for efficient packaging and minimal patient interference, featuring a UV LED for sterilization and indicators for operation status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alcohol wipes are used for sterilization, then the sterilization process can be performed repeatedly, but the tedious nature results in incomplete or inconsistent application
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs sterilization automatically without requiring manual application by hospital staff. The UV source is activated automatically when the access site is inserted into the receiving aperture, eliminating the tedious manual wiping process and ensuring consistent, complete sterilization coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical alcohol wiping process with a UV radiation-based sterilization system. The UV source emits ultraviolet light that penetrates and sterilizes the access site, eliminating the need for manual mechanical application and ensuring uniform, reliable sterilization.
2Reliability
If UV exposure devices are used for sterilization, then complete sterilization can be achieved, but the devices are cumbersome and increase patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The UV source is nested within the receiving aperture structure, allowing the sterilization function to be integrated into the access site interface itself. This eliminates the need for separate, cumbersome UV devices and reduces patient discomfort by providing sterilization directly at the access point without requiring additional external equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the UV source from external application to an internal configuration within the receiving aperture. By orienting the UV source at the end of the aperture, the sterilization radiation is directed along the access site pathway, achieving complete sterilization in a more compact and patient-friendly configuration.
3Reliability
If UV exposure devices are used for sterilization, then sterilization can be performed, but the devices interfere with and damage access sites, reducing usable life
Solution Approach 1:
The UV source is positioned specifically at the end of the receiving aperture, directing UV radiation along the access site pathway. This localized positioning ensures that UV sterilization is concentrated where needed (at the access site interface) while minimizing exposure to other areas that could cause damage, thereby preserving access site usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving aperture structure serves as an intermediary that guides and focuses the UV radiation along the access site pathway. This intermediary structure ensures that UV sterilization is delivered effectively to the access site while controlling and limiting the radiation exposure to prevent damage to the access site materials.
4Volume of moving object
If the UV source is positioned to enable efficient packaging, then the device dimensions are reduced, but the coupling effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the UV source from a conventional position to the end of the receiving aperture, with the UV source central axis perpendicular to the aperture central axis. This dimensional repositioning allows the UV source to be packaged efficiently within the aperture structure while maintaining effective coupling with the access site through the aperture pathway.
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 device provides improved sterilization of access ports with reduced patient discomfort and increased usability by ensuring complete sterilization with efficient packaging and easy implementation.
Implementation Method 1
a UV source positioned at an end of the receiving aperture
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for sterilization. In one example, a device may include a body with a flexible tether and a receiving aperture having a central axis, the body forming an internal cavity, the cavity housing at least one circular battery with a central axis perpendicular to the central axis of the aperture; and a UV source positioned at an end of the receiving aperture. Various other additional features and alternative configurations are included.