Pulsed UV Laser Scattering for Rapid Room Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a recurring need for rapid and efficient sterilization of materials and tools exposed to hazardous infectious agents such as Ebola and other harmful bacteria and pathogens, particularly for hazmat suits and surgical instruments, as well as for disinfecting and sterilizing hospital rooms.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a high power laser emitting pulsed UV light, directed by a robotic arm to a scattering optical element, which isotropically scatters the radiation to uniformly sterilize surfaces or rooms, including hazmat suits, surgical instruments, and hospital rooms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a laser beam is used to sterilize surfaces, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the sterilization coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser beam into multiple parallel beams using a beam splitter array, allowing simultaneous sterilization of multiple surfaces or areas, thereby expanding the overall sterilization coverage while maintaining the effectiveness of individual laser beams
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point laser sterilization approach to a multi-dimensional coverage by arranging multiple laser beams in parallel arrays, enabling coverage of larger surfaces and three-dimensional spaces simultaneously
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed sterilization system is used, then sterilization precision is improved, but adaptability to different settings is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobility to the sterilization system through wheeled platforms and movable mounting structures, allowing the system to be dynamically repositioned and adapted to different rooms, surfaces, and sterilization scenarios while maintaining operational precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the system with universal adaptability features including adjustable beam arrays, various mounting configurations, and the ability to treat different types of surfaces and spaces, making it applicable to hospitals, laboratories, and other diverse settings
3Device complexity
If conventional sterilization methods are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but sterilization time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulsed laser operation where the laser emits concentrated energy in short, high-intensity pulses rather than continuous operation, achieving rapid sterilization effects in each pulse while allowing for controlled repetition to cover entire areas efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or chemical sterilization methods with optical energy delivery using laser beams, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sterilization equipment or chemical processing systems while achieving faster sterilization results
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 rapid and thorough sterilization of hazmat suits, surgical instruments, and hospital rooms by uniformly illuminating the target areas with pulsed UV light, effectively eliminating pathogenic organisms, and can be adapted for use in various settings due to its mobility and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the scattering optical element is configured to substantially isotropically scatter the radiation of the pulsed laser beam to sterilize the room
Implementation Method 2
a laser configured to emit a pulsed laser beam
Implementation Method 3
using a laser to generate a pulsed laser beam... to sterilize the room
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for sterilizing a room are disclosed, including using a laser to generate a pulsed laser beam; using a robotic arm to direct the pulsed laser beam to a scattering optical element and to change the position of the scattering optical element; and using the scattering optical element to substantially isotropically scatter the radiation of the pulsed laser beam to sterilize the room. The scattering optical element comprises a hollow fused silica bulb filled with solid fused silica spheres or a fiber optic bundle and in some embodiments the scattering optical element is rotated. The pulsed laser beam comprises a wavelength ranging between about 200 nm to about 320 nm and in some embodiments comprises nanosecond or picosecond light pulses. Other embodiments are described and claimed.