UV-C Sterilization Case for Surgical Loupes Without Chemical Corrosion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical loupes are difficult to sterilize effectively due to their design and require special cleaning solutions that do not adequately sterilize, increasing the risk of cross-contamination and consuming valuable time for healthcare professionals.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained case with UV-C germicidal light emitting diodes and a crush-resistant housing for sterilizing surgical loupes, ensuring complete surface exposure and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If special cleaning solutions are used to clean surgical loupes, then the loupes can be cleaned, but the cleaning solutions do not adequately sterilize and may have corrosive effects on the loupes' components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical cleaning/sterilization methods with UV-C light irradiation. The UV-C LEDs emit germicidal radiation that sterilizes the loupes without requiring chemical solutions, thereby eliminating the corrosive effects on optical components while achieving effective sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sterilization parameter from chemical concentration to UV-C light wavelength (254-265 nm). By using specific short-wavelength UV-C radiation, the system achieves effective sterilization without the harmful chemical effects, transforming the sterilization mechanism from chemical to physical.
2Reliability
If hand wiping with a wipe is used to sterilize loupes, then sterilization can be attempted, but it is difficult to sterilize every surface and crevice and consumes considerable time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual wiping with automated UV-C light irradiation. The UV-C LEDs are arranged to illuminate all surfaces and crevices of the loupes simultaneously, achieving complete sterilization coverage without the time-consuming manual process and ensuring no areas are missed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional manual wiping to three-dimensional UV-C light penetration. The light can reach into crevices and complex geometries that are inaccessible to wipes, sterilizing all surfaces simultaneously including hard-to-reach areas.
3Reliability
If high proportion of isopropyl alcohol is used for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness may be improved, but the corrosive effect on loupes' components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical sterilization with physical UV-C irradiation. The UV-C LEDs provide effective sterilization through germicidal radiation without requiring isopropyl alcohol or other corrosive chemicals, maintaining sterilization effectiveness while eliminating component damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sterilization parameter from chemical concentration (isopropyl alcohol percentage) to physical radiation wavelength (254-265 nm UV-C). This parameter transformation achieves equivalent or superior sterilization effectiveness without the corrosive side effects of high-concentration alcohol solutions.
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 case provides efficient sterilization with a 99% germicidal kill rate, ensuring clinician and patient safety while protecting the loupes from physical harm.
Implementation Method 1
sterilize loupes using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation that uses short wavelength at 254-265 nm (ultraviolet C or UV-C) for more effective sterilization
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to a self-contained medical grade case for sterilizing surgical devices, for example surgical loupes, utilizing UV-C germicidal light while also protecting the surgical devices from damage. In some embodiments, the case can thus ensure patient safety and prevent cross contamination.