UV-C Light Application Device for Pathogen Inactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light application devices for medical procedures lack a configuration that effectively directs UV light onto tissue using a fiber optic cable and may not incorporate a suction tube or a second fiber optic cable for visible light, which are essential for inactivating pathogens during such procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising a tube with a first fiber optic cable engaged to its wall for directing ultraviolet C light from an emitter to inactivate pathogens, and optionally a second fiber optic cable for visible light illumination, integrated with suction or endoscopy functions to ensure safe and effective pathogen elimination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light is used to inactivate pathogens on tissue, then pathogen elimination is improved, but harm to human cells may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light source to ultraviolet C (222 nanometers), which has different biological effects compared to other UV wavelengths. This specific parameter selection enables effective pathogen inactivation while minimizing damage to mammalian cells, resolving the contradiction between pathogen elimination and cell safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the harmful properties of UV light for pathogen destruction while simultaneously protecting human cells from harm. By directing UV C light through a tube to treat only the intended target area, the harmful UV radiation is converted into a beneficial selective disinfection tool that spares surrounding healthy tissue
2Manufacturing precision
If a fiber optic cable is used to direct UV light onto tissue, then precision of light delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fiber optic cable as an intermediary component to transmit UV light from the source to the treatment site. This mediator enables precise light delivery through the cable's light-transmitting properties while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple and modular
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic cable serves multiple functions: it transmits UV light precisely to the target area, maintains a compact device structure, and allows for flexible positioning during medical procedures. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving precision without proportionally increasing complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tube is used for suctioning or fluid flow during medical procedures, then versatility of the device is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple medical functions into a single integrated device: UV light delivery through fiber optic cables, suctioning through the tube, and optional visible light illumination through a second fiber optic cable. This consolidation achieves versatility while managing complexity through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The tube structure serves multiple purposes: it provides a pathway for suctioning or fluid flow, acts as a protective sheath for the fiber optic cables, and enables the device to adapt to different medical procedure requirements. This multi-functionality justifies the structural complexity by delivering significant versatility
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 effectively inactivates pathogens on tissue during medical procedures while minimizing harm to human cells by using UV C light and aiding in medical procedures with visible light illumination, enhancing safety and efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
The first fiberoptic cable has a second end configured to operationally engage an ultraviolet C light emitter so that ultraviolet C light is emitted proximate to the first terminus of the tube
Implementation Method 2
A first fiberoptic cable is engaged to a wall of the tube so that a first end of the first fiberoptic cable is positioned proximate to a first terminus of the tube. The first fiberoptic cable is configured to direct the ultraviolet C light from the ultraviolet C light emitter
Implementation Method 3
the ultraviolet C light impinges upon tissue and pathogens proximate to the first terminus of the tube to inactivate the pathogens
Data Source
AI summary
A far ultraviolet light application device for killing pathogens on tissue and proximate thereto includes a tube that is to be utilized in a medical procedure. A first fiberoptic cable is engaged to a wall of the tube so that a first end of the first fiberoptic cable is positioned proximate to a first terminus of the tube. The first fiberoptic cable has a second end operationally engaged an ultraviolet C light emitter so that ultraviolet C light is emitted proximate to the first terminus of the tube. The first fiberoptic cable directs the ultraviolet C light from the ultraviolet C light emitter so that the ultraviolet C light impinges upon tissue and pathogens proximate to the first terminus of the tube to inactivate the pathogens.