UV Light Distribution Element for Uniform Catheter Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV light devices for disinfecting catheter puncture sites are large, expensive, and struggle with non-uniform irradiation, shadowing, and inefficiency in maintaining low germ density over extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A compact UV lighting device with a disk-shaped light distribution element made of UV-transparent materials, featuring structured surfaces for homogeneous light scattering and a design that minimizes shadowing, ensuring even UV light distribution across a defined area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a point UV source is used, then the device structure is simple, but only relatively small areas can be irradiated and shadowing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light source is segmented into multiple point sources arranged in a specific pattern (e.g., circular array), where each point source irradiates a specific zone. This segmentation allows the entire array to cover a larger area uniformly while each individual point source remains simple in structure
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-point source (0D) to a distributed array of point sources (1D or 2D arrangement). By distributing multiple UV point sources across a surface, the system achieves area irradiation without the shadowing problems of a single point source, as light comes from multiple spatial locations
2Illumination intensity
If conventional materials are used for optical elements, then manufacturing is easier, but UV light with wavelengths below 300 nm is not sufficiently transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures combining UV-transparent materials (such as quartz glass, sapphire, or specialized polymers) with UV-reflective or UV-absorbing layers. This composite approach enables effective UV transmission below 300 nm while maintaining manufacturability through layered construction techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The solution involves changing the material parameters (transmission wavelength range, refractive index, hardness) by selecting specialized UV-transparent materials. This parameter change enables transmission of shorter wavelength UV light (below 300 nm) that conventional materials cannot transmit, addressing the germicidal requirement
3Reliability
If large UV devices are used for disinfection, then germ reduction capability is sufficient, but the devices are relatively large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The UV disinfection system is segmented into multiple small-point UV sources distributed across a compact surface area, replacing a single large UV source. This segmentation achieves the same or better germ reduction effectiveness while significantly reducing overall device volume and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-film UV-transparent materials and flexible substrate structures that allow the UV light-emitting surface to be made compact and conformal. This enables effective germ reduction with a minimal device footprint that can be integrated into catheter systems
4Illumination intensity
If uniform UV light distribution is achieved, then disinfection quality is improved, but the short wavelength of UV light makes this technically challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light distribution system is segmented into multiple discrete point sources arranged in a geometric pattern (e.g., circular array, grid). This segmentation inherently promotes uniform light distribution across the irradiated surface, as each point source contributes to multiple zones, avoiding the need for complex optical homogenization elements
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric arrangement of multiple UV point sources creates self-uniformizing light distribution through their collective emission patterns. The natural divergence and overlap of light from multiple points automatically achieves uniform irradiation without requiring additional optical components, simplifying the device complexity
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 device effectively reduces germ density on the skin around catheter puncture sites with uniform UV irradiation, maintaining disinfection for hours to weeks while being cost-effective and easy to handle.
Implementation Method 1
a light distribution element for generating a uniform distribution of the UV light within the predetermined application area... wherein the UV light is scattered
Implementation Method 2
the material of the light distribution element has an absorption and/or scattering of less than 10% per cm, preferably less than 1% per cm, for the light emitted by the light source for a wavelength in the range from 180 nm to 360 nm
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device comprising at least one light source emitting light with a wavelength in the range from 180 nm to 360 nm, and a light distribution element with two opposite side surfaces. The light distribution element comprises a material that is transparent or at least largely transparent to the coupled-in light, wherein the light from the light source is coupled into the light distribution element and exits from at least one of the two side surfaces of the light distribution element. The light distribution element has structures for scattering the coupled-in light in order to at least partially deflect the light such that it exits from at least one of the side surfaces. The light distribution element has at least one through-opening that extends from one side surface of the light distribution element to the other side surface and is designed in particular as a feedthrough for a catheter or tube.Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for sterilizing the skin with the illumination device according to the invention, as well as a catheter. The catheter is guided through the through-opening such that the end of the catheter, with which the catheter is inserted through the skin into the patient, is located on the side of the light distribution element with the outcoupling side surface.