UV Sterilization System with RFID Authorization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Healthcare facilities face challenges in effectively sterilizing mobile devices used by personnel due to their frequent handling and potential for biological contamination, which can lead to infection control issues amidst financial pressures and stringent quality targets.

Innovation Solution

An ultraviolet (UV) sterilization system comprising a server and UV sterilization devices with RFID and NFC capabilities, LED UV sources, and a controller that selectively powers UV irradiation based on device identification and authorization, ensuring comprehensive disinfection of mobile devices while maintaining inventory and reducing device theft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If mobile devices are frequently handled and used by healthcare personnel, then operational efficiency and accessibility are improved, but biological contamination and infection risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidbiological contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs sterilization in advance before devices are used in clinical settings. Devices are pre-sterilized using UV irradiation and maintained in a controlled environment, ensuring they are ready for immediate use without requiring on-site sterilization procedures that would disrupt workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate sterile storage environment between the sterilization process and device usage. This controlled environment maintains sterility through environmental controls and monitored access, acting as a buffer that protects devices from contamination while allowing personnel to access them when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional sterilization procedures are implemented for mobile devices, then infection control is improved, but device accessibility and operational continuity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfection controlVSAvoiddevice accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables devices to be automatically sterilized without requiring manual intervention from healthcare personnel. The automated UV irradiation process and controlled environment maintenance occur without staff involvement, eliminating the need for personnel to withdraw devices from service for sterilization treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual sterilization procedures with automated UV irradiation systems and electronic monitoring. This substitution eliminates the need for physical handling and manual processing of devices during sterilization, allowing continuous availability while maintaining infection control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If comprehensive sterilization protocols are enforced, then patient safety is improved, but operational costs and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidoperational costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic sterilization cycles rather than continuous operation. Devices undergo UV irradiation at scheduled intervals based on usage patterns and contamination risk assessments, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate sterilization frequency for patient safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs environmental controls that adjust parameters such as temperature, humidity, and UV intensity based on real-time monitoring of device usage and contamination risk. This dynamic adjustment optimizes energy consumption by maintaining sterilization conditions only when and where needed, rather than continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 UV sterilization system effectively disinfects mobile devices, reduces microbial contamination, and provides real-time inventory management, enhancing infection control and operational efficiency in healthcare settings.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of light emitting diode ultraviolet (LED UV) sources configured to irradiate the at least one device with UV radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS12076455B2UV sterilization system and device and related methods
Publication Date: 2024.09.03 SEAL SHIELD LLC
  • US12076455B2 patent drawing
  • US12076455B2 patent drawing
  • US12076455B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An UV sterilization device includes a housing defining a cavity, a tray carried within the cavity and configured to receive a device, the device including an RFID tag, and an NFC device configured to communicate with the device when external to the cavity and unlock a door when the device is authorized, and a UV CBA carried within the cavity adjacent the tray and having LED UV sources configured to irradiate the device with UV radiation. The UV sterilization device also may include an RF transmitter configured to energize the RFID tag, and a controller coupled to the RF transmitter. The controller may be configured to determine a position and a number of the device based upon the RF signal from the RFID tag, and selectively power the UV CBA for disinfecting the device based upon the identification of the device.