Mobile UV-C Sterilization System with Reflective Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilization methods in hospitals and other settings face challenges in effectively sterilizing large equipment and are not always efficient in killing all microorganisms, including viruses, leading to the spread of infections and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Innovation Solution
The development of ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light-based sterilization systems, including chambers and portable devices, that utilize germicidal UV-C light to kill or render non-viable microorganisms, combined with reflective materials to ensure thorough coverage of non-uniform surfaces and adjustable power levels for different sterilization needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hand cleaning and disinfection methods are used for large equipment, then the sterilization process can be performed, but the effectiveness and timeliness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning and disinfection methods with an automated UV-C light sterilization system. The system uses ultraviolet-C irradiation to kill microorganisms on large equipment surfaces, eliminating the need for hand cleaning while achieving both high sterilization effectiveness and timeliness through automated operation.
2Reliability
If certain sterilization techniques are used, then certain bacteria can be killed, but viruses and other microorganisms remain unaffected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes UV-C light with specific wavelength parameters (200-280nm, optimally 254nm) that have proven effective against all types of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and spores. This parameter-specific approach ensures broad-spectrum coverage while maintaining high elimination effectiveness across diverse microbial targets.
3Reliability
If antibacterial soap and chemicals are used, then bacteria can be killed, but antibiotic-resistant bacteria may emerge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical-based antibacterial soaps and disinfectants with physical UV-C light irradiation. This substitution eliminates the selection pressure that drives antibiotic resistance development while maintaining effective bacterial elimination through a non-chemical mechanism that cannot contribute to resistance formation.
4Reliability
If UV-C light is used for sterilization, then microorganisms can be effectively killed, but the equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the UV-C sterilization system to be self-contained and automatically operable. The system includes integrated power supply, timer controls, and safety interlocks that allow it to function independently without requiring complex external control systems or specialized operational procedures, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high sterilization effectiveness.
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
These systems provide effective and efficient sterilization of equipment and environments, minimizing the risk of infection and preventing the formation of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, while avoiding the use of toxic chemicals and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
UV-C, also known as Germicidal irradiation, Germicidal UV or UVGI has strong penetrating ability and effectively kills or renders non-viable microorganisms including bacteria and viruses
Implementation Method 2
The lining of corrugated reflective material may be configured to reflect the UV light in the chamber in many different directions to help spread the light on every surface of an object being sterilized
Data Source
AI summary
Sterilization units and systems and related assemblies, devices, and methods are disclosed. The sterilization units may be mobile and used in a variety of locations. The sterilization units and systems use germicidal ultraviolet-C light to kill or render non-viable bacteria and viruses. The various sterilization units and systems disclosed herein may have improved ultraviolet light distribution and/or improved ability to direct and focus the ultraviolet light in a desired area. The sterilization units and systems may optionally be made of non-magnetic materials such that the sterilization units and systems may be used in the vicinity of MRI equipment without causing complications or damage to the MRI equipment.