Concept design of an Arm-Mounted Scalpel Disinfector
Context: The Germicidal effects of UV light was discovered as early as 1877 by British Physiologist Arthur Downes and scientist Thomas P. Blunt who noticed that sunlight could kill and inhibit the development of pathogenic bacteria. But it was much later when it was found that among the 3 types of UV wavelengths, UV-C (100-280 nm) was most effective in killing germs.
Keywords: Ultra Violet Radiation, Mechanical Design, Disinfector, R&D, Rapid Prototyping, SolidWorks, 3D modelling.
Design Objective
There had always been a need for easy and effective methods to disinfect medical equipment, but in the recent event of Corona-19 pandemic, the need came into more prominence than ever before.
With the stocks of sanitizers running low, the need for a long lasting disinfectant solution was felt direly, especially in the Medical field.
The aim of this project is to design a product that will be able to disinfect various small medical equipment like scalpels without the fear of running out. Additionally efforts were made to make the product easy to carry while it works to save time of the disinfecting process.
Components
Functioning
1. Twin compartment box: The main housing structure containing UV-C light sources (LEDs). Twin compartment allows the doctor to use 2 sets of equipment alternatively. This allows him freedom to disinfect one set while he uses the other set saving time. The box bottom is lined with UV-C LEDs.
2. Compartment Lids : The twin lids are also lined with UV-C LEDs. When coupled with the LEDs on the bottom of the box , its possible to completely disinfect any equipment put in the compartment.
3. Battery slots: Each compartments have their own power source allowing the box to be used even if one Battery fails.
4. UV-C light sources(LEDs): Among the 3 UV light wavelengths, UV-C is the most effective in germicide. The use of UV-C LEDs gives independence from exhaustible disinfectant solutions like alcohol and sanitizers.
5.Quartz platform: Unlike glass and most plastics, Quartz allows UV radiations to pass through it completely. The infected equipment are kept over the quartz platform which prevents them from coming in direct contact with the LEDs and damaging them but also also allows them to be exposed to the UV light
6. Arm Band: Makes the device easy to carry and allows the doctor to disinfect his equipment even as he is travelling and hence save time.
7. Battery Slot Lid: Protects the battery and prevents it from falling out.
References
1. Brandt, K. S., & Elliott, T. (2020, December 19). Why UV light is one of the most effective ways to sanitize your home. Insider. https://www.insider.com/does-uv-light-kill-germs.
2. Center for Devices and Radiological Health. (n.d.). UV Lights and Lamps: Ultraviolet-C Radiation, Disinfection, and Corona. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/uv-lights-and-lamps-ultraviolet-c-radiation-disinfection-and-coronavirus.
3.LightSources, L. T. (2020, September 11). Ultraviolet Light Sterilization: UVC Lamp Manufacturer. LightSources. https://www.light-sources.com/blog/uv-light-sterilization-history-effectiveness-and-uses/.
4. Resources, U. V. (2021, February 17). UV-C Lamps - A Short (Wave) History. UV Resources. https://uvresources.com/uv-c-lamps-a-shortwave-history/.
5. Skorucak, A. (n.d.). I was told that uv rays can not go thru glass but can go thru quartz. Is that true? PhysLink.com . https://www.physlink.com/education/askexperts/ae47.cfm.
6. Center for Devices and Radiological Health. (n.d.). UV Lights and Lamps: Ultraviolet-C Radiation, Disinfection, and Corona. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/uv-lights-and-lamps-ultraviolet-c-radiation-disinfection-and-coronavirus.
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