Structured UV Light Distribution for Catheter Puncture-Site Disinfection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV light devices for disinfecting catheter puncture sites are large, costly, and struggle with non-uniform UV light distribution, especially when catheters shade the skin, making continuous disinfection difficult and ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A compact UV light distribution element with a disc-shaped design, using UV-transparent materials and structured surfaces to scatter light uniformly over a defined area, ensuring homogeneous UV irradiation around the catheter puncture site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a spot UV source is used, then the device structure is simple, but only relatively small areas can be irradiated and areas on the skin are shaded by the catheter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a point-source UV irradiation approach to a surface-mounted UV irradiation approach. By positioning the UV light source on the skin surface rather than above it, the light can spread laterally across the skin surface, illuminating areas that would otherwise be shaded by the catheter. This dimensional change in light source positioning enables broader coverage while maintaining simple device structure.
2Reliability
If a UV light source is used for disinfection, then germ reduction is achieved, but continuous disinfection over entire dwell time is not possible or practical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing continuous UV irradiation capability from the outset. The UV light source is positioned and configured to provide continuous disinfection coverage throughout the entire catheter dwell time, rather than requiring intermittent or post-procedure treatment. This preliminary setup enables uninterrupted germ reduction during the critical period when the catheter is in place.
3Ease of manufacture
If most materials are used for optical elements, then manufacturing is easier, but they are not or not sufficiently transparent to UV light having wavelengths below 300 nm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the optical element from conventional transparent materials to UV-transparent materials specifically designed for wavelengths below 300 nm. This parameter change in material composition allows the optical element to transmit UV light effectively while remaining manufacturable using established processes for specialized UV-optical materials.
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 solution provides effective, continuous germ reduction at the puncture site by ensuring uniform UV light distribution, minimizing shading, and maintaining a safe light intensity to prevent skin damage, thus enhancing disinfection efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a light distribution element for generating a uniform distribution of the UV light within the predetermined application area
Implementation Method 2
The light distribution element comprises a material which is transparent or at least largely transparent for the light emitted by the light source. In particular, the material of the light distribution element has an absorption and/or scattering of less than 10% per centimeter
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device having a light source which emits light at a wavelength of 180 nm to 360 nm, and a light distribution element having two opposing lateral surfaces is provided. The light distribution element includes a transparent or largely transparent material to the light coupled in. The light of the light source is coupled into the light distribution element and emerges from a lateral surface of the light distribution element which has structures for scattering the light coupled in, to deflect the light so that it emerges from a lateral surface. The light distribution element has a passage opening, which extends from one lateral surface of the light distribution element to the another lateral surface and is formed as a passage for a catheter. A device for sterilizing the skin, having the illumination device and a catheter is also disclosed.