Stethoscope Head With Integrated UV Sterilization And Pre-Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stethoscope diaphragms are prone to contamination and temperature differences with patients, requiring separate sterilization and pre-heating devices that are cumbersome to attach and detach, and existing solutions require user intervention for activation.
Innovation Solution
A stethoscope head with a movable member containing a light source for UV sterilization and a heating source, integrated into the auscultatory sound receiver, which automatically activates sterilization and pre-heating based on contact with the object, eliminating the need for separate devices and user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate sterilization and pre-heating devices are used, then sterilization and pre-heating functions are provided, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to attachment and detachment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sterilization device and pre-heating device into an integrated unit that is permanently attached to the stethoscope handle. This merging eliminates the need for separate attachment and detachment operations while providing both sterilization (via UV light source) and pre-heating (via heating element) functions through a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sterilization through UV irradiation, pre-heating through thermal conduction, and serves as part of the stethoscope handle structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed and simplifies the overall system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate sterilization and pre-heating devices are used, then sterilization and pre-heating functions are provided, but ease of operation worsens due to cumbersome attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sterilization device and pre-heating device into an integrated unit that is permanently attached to the stethoscope handle. This merging eliminates the need for separate attachment and detachment operations while providing both sterilization (via UV light source) and pre-heating (via heating element) functions through a single integrated structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cover member displacement is required for sterilization activation, then sterilization function is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user intervention requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sensor (such as a proximity sensor or touch sensor) that automatically detects when the stethoscope head is placed on a patient's body and triggers the sterilization function accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual activation by the user, improving ease of operation while maintaining the sterilization function.
4Extent of automation
If stethoscope head is in contact with object, then auscultation function is provided, but sterilization activation should occur automatically without user behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sensor (such as a proximity sensor or touch sensor) that automatically detects when the stethoscope head is placed on a patient's body and triggers the sterilization function accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual activation by the user, improving ease of operation while maintaining the sterilization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a sensor to detect the contact state between the stethoscope head and the patient's body, and this feedback signal automatically activates or deactivates the sterilization function. This feedback mechanism ensures that sterilization occurs automatically based on the actual usage condition without requiring user intervention.
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
Enables self-sterilization and pre-heating without additional devices, reducing contamination risk and patient discomfort due to temperature differences, while allowing for accurate electrocardiogram measurements and effective noise reduction from friction.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit ultraviolet rays for sterilization to the auscultatory sound receiver
Implementation Method 2
a heating source configured to heat the auscultatory sound receiver
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A stethoscope head, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may include: an auscultatory sound receiver; a support member configured to support the auscultatory sound receiver; and a moving member comprising a light source configured to emit ultraviolet rays for sterilization to the auscultatory sound receiver, and capable of moving a position thereof with respect to the auscultatory sound receiver and the support member in a first direction orienting to an object and a second direction opposite to the first direction.