UV Light Disinfection System with Processor-Controlled Treatment 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 to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and infectious agents, as improperly sterilized objects have caused deaths and transmitted drug-resistant bugs in hospitals.

Innovation Solution

A disinfecting system that includes a housing with a UV light source and a processor to emit UV light for disinfection, combined with ultrasound for enhanced cleaning and sterilization, allowing for automated treatment times and movement to ensure thorough disinfection of objects and surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional chemical sterilization methods are used, then sterilization effectiveness is achieved, but safety risks and potential harm to patients increase due to improper sterilization and transmission of harmful agents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidharmful agents transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical sterilization methods with a mechanical/physical system consisting of UV light sources and ultrasound transducers. The UV LED array emits ultraviolet light to disinfect surfaces and objects, while the ultrasound transducer provides mechanical vibration for cleaning, eliminating the need for chemical agents and their associated safety risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the sterilization approach by using specific physical parameters: UV light wavelength (200-400nm) for disinfection and ultrasound frequency for mechanical cleaning. This parameter-based approach provides controlled, measurable sterilization effectiveness without the variability and safety concerns of chemical methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If UV light source is used for disinfection, then harmful agents are destroyed, but treatment time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfectious agents destructionVSAvoiddisinfection treatment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines UV light disinfection with ultrasound mechanical cleaning in a single integrated system. The UV LED array and ultrasound transducer work simultaneously or sequentially to provide both chemical disinfection and mechanical cleaning, reducing the total treatment time compared to using either method alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous disinfection action through the processor-controlled activation of UV light sources and ultrasound transducers. The processor ensures uninterrupted treatment cycles, maximizing the effectiveness of each treatment session and reducing the need for repeated treatments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If automated processor control is implemented, then treatment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment time controlVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processor provides automated self-control of the disinfection system, automatically activating and deactivating UV light sources and ultrasound transducers based on pre-programmed treatment protocols. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual timing and monitoring, improving treatment precision without requiring complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively kills and destroys infectious agents on objects and surfaces, reducing the risk of infection and providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional chemical sterilization methods, while also ensuring safety by preventing the transmission of harmful pathogens.

Implementation Method 1

An ultraviolet light (UV) source is secured to the housing and configured to emit UV light for disinfection of a target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet light disinfection: Photodissociation

Implementation Method 2

combined with ultrasound for enhanced cleaning and sterilization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS10946111B2Systems and methods for disinfection

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 P TECH LLC

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.