UV Light Disinfection System with Processor-Controlled Exposure Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective systems and methods to sterilize objects used on or by patients, as improperly sterilized objects can transmit harmful agents, leading to infections and even deaths.
Innovation Solution
A disinfecting system that includes a housing with an ultraviolet light (UV) source and a processor to activate the UV light for a selected time, effectively disinfecting targets using UV light and optionally combining it with ultrasound for enhanced cleaning and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light is used for disinfection, then harmful agents are eliminated, but treatment time must be precisely controlled to avoid under-disinfection or over-exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a processor that activates the UV light source for a selected amount of time, implementing time-based feedback control to ensure precise disinfection duration. This automated timing mechanism prevents both under-disinfection and over-exposure by strictly controlling the UV exposure period based on pre-determined parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of the UV light activation time parameter to match different disinfection requirements. By changing the time parameter based on the specific target and contamination level, the system optimizes disinfection effectiveness while avoiding excessive exposure time.
2Reliability
If multiple disinfection methods are combined, then disinfection effectiveness is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines UV light disinfection with ultrasound treatment in a single integrated device. The processor coordinates both disinfection methods, allowing them to work synergistically for enhanced pathogen elimination while maintaining a unified device structure rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfection system is designed to perform multiple functions - UV light disinfection and ultrasound treatment - within a single device platform. This multi-functionality approach enhances disinfection effectiveness without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby managing complexity through integration.
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 system achieves effective disinfection of objects by utilizing UV light to kill infectious agents, with the option of ultrasound to further disrupt and destroy pathogens, thereby reducing the risk of infections and ensuring safer use of sterilized objects.
Implementation Method 1
An ultraviolet light (UV) source is secured to the housing and configured to emit UV light for disinfection of a target
Implementation Method 2
An ultrasound transducer is secured to the housing and configured to provide ultrasound to the target
Implementation Method 3
optionally combining it with ultrasound for enhanced cleaning and sterilization
Data Source
AI summary
A disinfecting system includes a housing. An ultraviolet light (UV) source is secured to the housing and configured to emit UV light for disinfection of a target. A processor is secured to the housing in communication with the UV light source. The processor is configured to activate the UV light source for a selected amount of time suitable for disinfection of the target.