UV LED Caster Wheel Sterilization and Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In healthcare and pharmaceutical facilities, pathogens such as viruses and bacteria accumulate on caster wheels, posing a risk of spread due to inadequate sterilization, especially in dimly lit areas or during power outages.
Innovation Solution
A lighting assembly incorporating ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is integrated into caster wheels, which includes an enclosure and structural mounting members to enable UV light emission for sterilization and illumination, along with a motion detector and timer switch for controlled activation and braking of the caster wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If caster wheels are used for transporting medical equipment and patients, then mobility and accessibility are improved, but pathogen accumulation and spread occur on wheel surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful UV radiation into a beneficial sterilization function by integrating UV LEDs into the caster wheel assembly. The UV light, which would otherwise be harmful, is used to kill pathogens on the wheel surfaces, transforming the caster from a potential vector of contamination into an active sterilization device that maintains mobility while preventing pathogen spread
Solution Approach 2:
The caster wheel assembly performs self-sterilization through integrated UV LEDs that automatically or manually activate to clean the wheel surfaces. This self-service capability allows the caster to maintain its own hygiene without requiring separate manual sterilization processes, combining the functions of transport and sanitation in a single device
2Loss of energy
If ambient lighting is reduced in healthcare facilities, then energy consumption is lowered, but visibility and pathogen detection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting assembly integrates multiple functions into a single device: UV sterilization of the caster wheel surfaces and visible light illumination of the surrounding environment. This multi-functional approach allows the system to provide both sanitation and visibility benefits simultaneously, reducing the need for separate lighting and sterilization systems
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting assembly can dynamically adjust its operation mode, switching between UV sterilization mode and visible illumination mode based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize energy consumption by providing visible light only when needed for navigation, while maintaining continuous or periodic UV sterilization functionality
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual sterilization of caster wheels is implemented, then pathogen control is improved, but operational efficiency and time consumption are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The caster wheel assembly performs self-sterilization through integrated UV LEDs that automatically or manually activate to clean the wheel surfaces. This self-service capability allows the caster to maintain its own hygiene without requiring separate manual sterilization processes, combining the functions of transport and sanitation in a single device
Solution Approach 2:
The UV sterilization function can be activated before the caster wheel is used to prevent pathogen accumulation in advance. This preliminary action approach maintains hygiene proactively rather than requiring reactive cleaning after contamination occurs, improving operational efficiency by preventing rather than treating contamination
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 solution effectively sterilizes pathogens on caster wheels and partially illuminates ambient surroundings, reducing the risk of pathogen spread while ensuring efficient operation even in low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) disposed in the internal volume of the one or more enclosures to interface the portion of the caster wheel thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel
Implementation Method 2
enabling UV light emitting from the LED to illuminate the portion of the caster wheel to enable sterilization of pathogens colonizing at least a portion of the portion of the caster wheel received in the internal volume
Data Source
AI summary
A caster wheel assembly includes a swivel frame and a caster wheel rotatably coupled to the swivel frame via an axle. The swivel frame can include a rotatable shaft enabling rotation of the wheel and at least one light emitting diode (LED) disposed on a surface of the swivel frame to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings. The LED may be an ultraviolet (UV) LED disposed on the surface of the swivel frame to interface a portion of the caster wheel thereby enabling UV light emitting from the LED to sterilize pathogens colonizing the caster wheel. The LED may be disposed on an external surface of the swivel frame to at least partially illuminate ambient surroundings. Upon an adjustable predetermined time or distance of motion, the wheel may be braked for ultraviolet light to sterilize pathogens colonizing the caster wheel and released following an adjustable predetermined time.