X-Ray Diagnostic Unit Positioning for Automated UV Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray diagnostic apparatuses lack efficient and automated systems for comprehensive disinfection, particularly in the context of preventing infectious diseases, such as those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which may expose patients and medical staff to pathogens.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus equipped with a disinfection management system that includes a disinfection apparatus and a movable unit, controlled by processing circuitry, to perform targeted disinfection based on predetermined positional relations and ultraviolet irradiation, utilizing different disinfection modes and generating disinfection plans to ensure thorough and efficient disinfection of both the apparatus and its surroundings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning with disinfectant is used, then disinfection can be performed, but labor intensity is high and thoroughness is difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-disinfection by controlling the movable unit to move to predetermined positions and activate the disinfection apparatus without manual intervention. The processing circuitry autonomously manages the entire disinfection process, including position control and disinfection execution, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated control system that uses processing circuitry to control the movable unit and disinfection apparatus. This substitution of mechanical manual labor with an automated control system reduces labor intensity while improving disinfection reliability.
2Reliability
If comprehensive disinfection of the entire apparatus is performed, then pathogen reduction is maximized, but disinfection time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements differentiated disinfection by identifying and targeting specific high-risk positions and areas on the X-ray diagnostic apparatus that are most likely to harbor pathogens. Rather than uniform comprehensive disinfection, the movable unit focuses disinfection efforts on critical surfaces and areas, achieving effective pathogen reduction while minimizing unnecessary disinfection time on low-risk areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing circuitry pre-determines the optimal positions and sequence for the movable unit to achieve comprehensive disinfection coverage. By planning the disinfection path and positions in advance, the system maximizes pathogen reduction effectiveness while minimizing the total disinfection time required.
3Reliability
If the movable unit is positioned for optimal disinfection coverage, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing circuitry serves multiple functions: it controls the movable unit's position, manages the disinfection apparatus operation, and coordinates the overall disinfection process. By making the control system multi-functional and universal, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated control components, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
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 a comprehensive and automated disinfection process that effectively reduces pathogenic bacteria and viruses on the X-ray diagnostic apparatus and its environment, ensuring a safer operating environment for patients and staff.
Implementation Method 1
a disinfection apparatus 2 that performs disinfection by ultraviolet irradiation
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a radiographic unit, a movable unit, and processing circuitry. The radiographic unit performs radiography. The movable unit is provided in the radiographic unit and is movable to plural positions. The processing circuitry moves the movable unit to a position where the movable unit and a disinfection apparatus that performs disinfection have a predetermined positional relation to each other.