UV Disinfecting Cap Integration for Medical Connector Sterility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The spread of microbial organisms through implanted ports and connectors in medical apparatuses during infusion therapy poses a significant challenge, necessitating effective disinfection methods.
Innovation Solution
A disinfecting device equipped with a UV source, a tube, and an end cap, which emits UV light to disinfect medical devices, utilizing coatings, fibers, and power sources like LEDs or SLEDs to enhance UV propagation and integration with medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional disinfection methods are used, then microbial control is achieved, but the complexity of the disinfection process increases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical disinfection methods (manual cleaning, chemical application) with an optical system using UV LEDs integrated into the connector. The UV light source is embedded within the connector structure itself, eliminating the need for separate disinfection equipment or complex procedural steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV disinfection function is merged with the connector structure. The UV LED, power source, and housing are integrated into a single unit that combines both the connection and disinfection functions, reducing overall system complexity and eliminating separate disinfection steps.
2Reliability
If UV light propagation is enhanced through coatings or fibers, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the optical parameters of the connector materials by applying UV-transmissive coatings or incorporating UV-transmissive sections into the housing and connector materials. This enhances UV light propagation without requiring complex optical components or precise alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Specific sections of the housing and connector are made UV-transmissive rather than the entire structure. This localized approach allows UV light to propagate effectively through critical pathways while maintaining the structural integrity and manufacturing simplicity of the overall device.
3Loss of time
If the UV source is integrated into the connector, then disinfection time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV LED, power source, and housing are merged into a single integrated unit that replaces or supplements traditional connectors. This integration eliminates the need for separate disinfection devices and reduces the number of discrete components that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs its own disinfection function through the integrated UV source, eliminating the need for external disinfection equipment or complex multi-step procedures. The device is self-sufficient, requiring only connection to the medical apparatus to initiate disinfection.
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
Effectively kills pathogens by inhibiting their reproduction through UV radiation, ensuring thorough disinfection of medical device hubs and connectors, with features for automatic identification and tracking of disinfection processes.
Implementation Method 1
UV light causes photochemical reactions that render microorganisms innocuous
Data Source
AI summary
A disinfecting device having a housing and an ultraviolet source located in the housing. The disinfecting device may include a tube that includes a first end connected to the housing and a second end free of the housing. An end cap may be located at the second end of the tube. In use, ultraviolet light may be emitted from the ultraviolet source and propagated to the end cap in order to disinfect a portion of a medical device.