UV Sterilizing Catheter Connector with Flow Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter systems are inadequate in preventing hospital-acquired infections as they cannot effectively sterilize bacteria introduced through catheter connectors and fluid flowing through them, especially when the catheter line is in use and uncapped.
Innovation Solution
Integration of UV light-emitting diodes or optical fibers within catheter connectors that emit UV light into the catheter lumen, activated only by a flow sensor when fluid is present, allowing continuous sterilization without the need to cap the catheter line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light sources are integrated into catheter connectors for continuous sterilization, then the reliability of infection prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light sources are nested within the catheter connector housing, with optical fibers or LED elements integrated into the existing connector structure. This allows the sterilization function to be incorporated without requiring a separate external sterilization device, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through compact integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter connector is designed to perform multiple functions: fluid connection, sealing, and UV sterilization. By integrating the UV light sources and control circuitry into the connector itself, the device becomes a multi-functional unit that eliminates the need for separate sterilization equipment, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If UV light sources are activated continuously for sterilization, then the purity of the fluid is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light sources are activated periodically rather than continuously. The control circuitry monitors fluid flow through the catheter and activates UV sterilization during fluid delivery phases, turning off the UV sources when no fluid is flowing. This periodic activation maintains fluid sterilization effectiveness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates flow sensors that provide feedback to the control circuitry, which in turn controls UV light source activation. When the sensor detects fluid flow, it triggers UV sterilization; when flow stops, UV activation ceases. This feedback mechanism ensures sterilization occurs only when necessary, optimizing both fluid purity and energy efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If flow sensors and control circuitry are added to activate UV lights only during fluid flow, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry is designed to automatically respond to fluid flow conditions without requiring external control or complex programming. The flow sensor directly interfaces with the UV light control, creating a self-regulating system that activates sterilization based on inherent fluid flow detection. This self-service approach improves energy efficiency while minimizing complexity by avoiding sophisticated control algorithms or external monitoring systems.
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
This solution enables continuous sterilization of both the catheter connectors and the fluid flowing through them, reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections by ensuring that bacteria are eliminated regardless of the catheter's operational state.
Implementation Method 1
Integration of UV light-emitting diodes or optical fibers within catheter connectors that emit UV light into the catheter lumen
Implementation Method 2
enables continuous sterilization of both the catheter connectors and the fluid flowing through them, reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections by ensuring that bacteria are eliminated
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter connector includes an inner wall that defines an interior of the catheter connector and is transmissive to ultraviolet (UV) light. An outer wall defines an exterior of the catheter connector. One or a plurality of UV light sources is disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall or on the outer wall positioned to emit UV light into the interior of the catheter connector. A flow sensor is provided for sensing a flow of fluid in the interior of the catheter connector, and circuitry electrically connects the UV light sources, the flow sensor and a power source, such that electrical power is supplied to the UV light sources when a fluid flows through the interior of the catheter connector.