UV-C Probe Disinfection Container for Uniform Surface Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices, particularly those that penetrate or contact internal body surfaces or mucous membranes, face challenges in achieving effective high-level disinfection due to human error in chemical disinfection processes, which can lead to pathogen transmission and recontamination.
Innovation Solution
A UV light-based disinfection system for medical probes, including a container with UV emitters and a bracket system for secure attachment to medical devices, ensuring uniform UV exposure and minimizing recontamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical disinfection processes are used for medical probes, then disinfection can be achieved, but human error leads to unreliable disinfection and pathogen transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical disinfection processes with a mechanical/physical UV-C light irradiation system. The UV-C LEDs emit light at a wavelength of approximately 265 nm that directly damages microbial DNA, eliminating the need for chemical agents and human intervention in the disinfection process, thereby improving reliability and eliminating pathogen transmission risks associated with chemical handling errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service disinfection where the probe automatically receives UV-C irradiation when placed in the container, without requiring human operators to manually apply or monitor chemical disinfectants. The UV-C LEDs continuously irradiate the probe surface, providing autonomous and consistent disinfection that eliminates human error
2Use of energy by moving object
If UV light emitters are placed directly against the probe surface, then maximum UV exposure is achieved, but uniform dispersion of UV light is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (vertical spacing) between the UV-C light emitters and the probe surface. By positioning the UV-C LEDs above the probe rather than directly against it, the system achieves uniform 360-degree light dispersion across the probe surface, preventing hot spots and ensuring comprehensive coverage while maintaining effective irradiation intensity
3Strength
If a fixed mounting system is used for the container, then secure attachment is achieved, but adaptability to different medical devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the container with a universal bracket system that can be attached to multiple types of medical devices including ultrasound systems, surgical towers, and mobile carts. The bracket incorporates adjustable clamping mechanisms and multiple mounting positions, enabling the same container to securely attach to various device forms and sizes, thereby achieving both secure attachment and broad adaptability
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 provides reliable high-level disinfection of medical probes, reducing contamination risks and ensuring they remain disinfected until subsequent use, thereby enhancing patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emitters arranged to emit UV light within the container to disinfect an external surface of the medical probe
Data Source
AI summary
A disinfection system for a medical probe is disclosed. The system can include a container configured to receive the medical probe. A plurality of ultraviolet (UV) light emitters can be included for emitting UV light in the container to disinfect a surface of the medical probe. A bracket system can be coupled to the container and configured to couple the container to a portion of a medical device comprising the medical probe or a mobile caster holding pole.