A surgical instrument disinfection and sterilization device

Abstract

The application discloses a surgical instrument disinfection and sterilization device, and relates to the field of medical instrument disinfection and sterilization, which comprises a portable box, a disinfection assembly, an energy assembly and a control assembly. The disinfection cavity inside the portable box is used for placing surgical instruments. The disinfection assembly is arranged in the disinfection cavity and comprises an ozone generation module, an ultraviolet irradiation module and an airflow system. The ozone generation module is used for generating ozone and forming a disinfection atmosphere in the disinfection cavity. The ultraviolet irradiation module is used for emitting sterilization ultraviolet rays into the disinfection cavity. The airflow system is used for driving gas circulation in the disinfection cavity and discharging residual ozone. The energy assembly is arranged in the equipment cavity and is electrically connected with the disinfection assembly, and is used for providing required energy for the disinfection assembly. The control assembly is arranged in the equipment cavity and is electrically connected with the disinfection assembly and the energy assembly, and is used for regulating and controlling disinfection operation parameters. The surgical instrument disinfection and sterilization device is convenient to carry in a field scene, has good sterilization effect, and is safe in the operation process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device disinfection and sterilization technology, and in particular to a surgical instrument disinfection and sterilization device. Background Technology

[0002] In non-fixed medical scenarios such as field emergency rescue, military field medical care, and mobile medical services in remote areas, the aseptic treatment of surgical instruments is a core prerequisite for ensuring the safety of surgical procedures and reducing postoperative infection rates. Due to limitations such as the lack of infrastructure, complex terrain, and difficulties in supplying materials in the field environment, the disinfection and sterilization equipment used in conventional hospitals cannot be directly transferred and applied. Therefore, there is an urgent need for portable, low-energy-consumption, and highly reliable disinfection and sterilization devices.

[0003] Existing technologies for sterilizing surgical instruments have the following main shortcomings: Firstly, while high-pressure steam sterilization technology is the mainstream sterilization method in medical institutions and has a reliable sterilization effect, the equipment is bulky and heavy, and its operation relies on a continuous external power supply and a large amount of clean water. Moreover, the preparation cycle for heating and pressurizing is long, making it unsuitable for outdoor use scenarios without fixed water and electricity supply and lacking the conditions for portable deployment.

[0004] Secondly, single ultraviolet disinfection equipment relies on short-wave ultraviolet light to destroy the nucleic acid structure of microorganisms to achieve sterilization. It has the advantages of fast response speed and low energy consumption. However, ultraviolet light is a physical irradiation method that propagates in a straight line, which has obvious sterilization dead zones. It cannot penetrate into the interior of tubular instruments or complex instruments with gaps to thoroughly disinfect them, making it difficult to meet the sterilization requirements of surgical instruments.

[0005] Third, chemical disinfectant soaking disinfection does not require electricity, but there is a risk of disinfectant residue. After use, instruments need to be rinsed with plenty of water, and most chemical disinfectants are corrosive, which will shorten the lifespan of precision surgical instruments. At the same time, the transportation, storage and field supply of disinfectants are difficult, making them unsuitable for long-term field operations.

[0006] Fourth, ozone disinfection alone can achieve thorough sterilization by utilizing the strong oxidizing properties of ozone. However, when used alone, it has problems such as long sterilization cycle and poor uniformity of concentration in the cavity. Moreover, the residual ozone decomposes slowly after disinfection, and direct emission can easily affect the health of operators. It is difficult to balance disinfection efficiency and safety when used alone.

[0007] In summary, there is an urgent need to design a technical solution that can simultaneously meet the requirements of portability in field scenarios, good sterilization effect, and safe operation. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a surgical instrument sterilization device to solve the problems existing in the prior art. It is easy to carry in field scenarios, has a good sterilization effect, and is highly safe in operation.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: This invention provides a surgical instrument sterilization device, comprising a portable case, a sterilization component, an energy component, and a control component. The portable case contains a sterilization chamber and an equipment chamber that are separated from each other. The sterilization chamber is used to hold surgical instruments. The sterilization component, disposed within the sterilization chamber, includes an ozone generating module, an ultraviolet irradiation module, and an airflow system. The ozone generating module generates ozone and creates a sterilization atmosphere within the sterilization chamber. The ultraviolet irradiation module emits sterilizing ultraviolet light into the sterilization chamber. The airflow system drives gas circulation within the sterilization chamber and removes residual ozone. The energy component, disposed within the equipment chamber and electrically connected to the sterilization component, provides the necessary energy for the sterilization component. The control component, disposed within the equipment chamber, is electrically connected to both the sterilization component and the energy component and is used to regulate the sterilization operating parameters.

[0010] In one embodiment, the portable case includes a case body and a top cover, the case body having a sterilization chamber and a device chamber, and the top cover being able to close the opening of the case body; the case body and the top cover are detachably connected.

[0011] In one embodiment, the ozone generating module is a corona discharge ozone generator, comprising a high-voltage electrode, a grounding electrode, and an insulating medium; the surface of the high-voltage electrode is coated with a nanoscale dielectric coating to enhance discharge uniformity and suppress electrode oxidation.

[0012] In one embodiment, an ozone catalytic decomposition protective layer is provided at the outlet of the ozone generating module. The ozone catalytic decomposition protective layer is used to decompose residual ozone in the disinfection chamber during the shutdown exhaust phase. An air filter device is also provided at the air inlet of the ozone generating module to filter out impurities and moisture in the incoming gas.

[0013] In one embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation module includes multiple sets of UV lamps, the UV lamps emitting wavelengths of 254nm; the multiple sets of UV lamps are distributed in a matrix at the bottom and sidewalls of the disinfection chamber, and the irradiation intensity and irradiation duration of the UV lamps can be adjusted by the control component.

[0014] In one embodiment, the airflow system includes a micro fan; the micro fan can drive the gas circulation in the disinfection chamber during the disinfection stage to ensure uniform ozone distribution; after disinfection, the micro fan can discharge the residual ozone in the disinfection chamber with the top cover opened.

[0015] In one embodiment, the control component includes a microprocessor, a sensor module, and an operation panel. The sensor module includes a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an ozone concentration sensor, and a pressure sensor. These sensors are electrically connected to the microprocessor and are used to collect environmental parameters within the disinfection chamber in real time and feed them back to the microprocessor. The microprocessor has multiple built-in disinfection programs that automatically adjust the ozone generation, ultraviolet irradiation parameters, and the operating status of the airflow system based on the collected environmental parameters and the selected disinfection mode. The operation panel is electrically connected to the microprocessor and is used to input operation commands and display disinfection status information.

[0016] In one embodiment, the operation panel is a touch screen display, which can display at least one of the following information: disinfection progress, remaining time, and environmental parameters of the disinfection chamber.

[0017] In one embodiment, the energy component includes a rechargeable lithium battery, which is electrically connected to the control component and the disinfection component respectively; the outer wall of the portable case is provided with a vehicle charging interface for connecting an external vehicle power source to charge the rechargeable lithium battery.

[0018] In one embodiment, the box body is made of aluminum alloy, and the surface of the box body is provided with a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant treatment layer; the top cover and the box body are detachably connected by a metal duckbill buckle; a flexible sealing structure is provided at the connection position between the box body and the top cover; and a portable handle is provided on the outer surface of the top cover.

[0019] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art: This invention combines ozone and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technologies, leveraging their synergistic effects. Ozone can penetrate into the crevices and lumens of instruments, killing hidden microorganisms; UV light rapidly disinfects the instrument surface. These two disinfection methods complement each other, resulting in higher efficiency and more thorough disinfection compared to a single method. It effectively kills various microorganisms such as vegetative bacteria, spores, viruses, and fungi, meeting the sterilization requirements of surgical instruments. The overall device features a lightweight design, making it easy to carry in complex terrain. Ozone naturally decomposes into oxygen after disinfection, leaving no chemical residue and causing no environmental pollution; UV disinfection is a physical disinfection method that does not produce any harmful substances, ensuring high safety. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the surgical instrument sterilization and disinfection device in one or more embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a surgical instrument sterilization and disinfection device in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] In the diagram: 1-box body, 2-top cover, 3-metal duckbill buckle, 4-portable handle, 5-equipment cavity, 6-ozone generating module, 7-ultraviolet irradiation module, 8-airflow system, 9-operation panel. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] The purpose of this invention is to provide a surgical instrument sterilization device to solve the problems existing in the prior art. It is easy to carry in field scenarios, has a good sterilization effect, and is highly safe in operation.

[0025] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0026] This invention provides a reference for a surgical instrument sterilization device. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the device includes a portable case, a sterilization component, an energy component, and a control component. The portable case contains a separate sterilization chamber and a device chamber 5. The sterilization chamber holds surgical instruments. The sterilization component, located within the sterilization chamber, includes an ozone generating module 6, an ultraviolet irradiation module 7, and an airflow system 8. The ozone generating module 6 generates ozone and creates a sterilization atmosphere within the sterilization chamber. The ultraviolet irradiation module 7 emits sterilizing ultraviolet light into the sterilization chamber. The airflow system 8 drives gas circulation within the sterilization chamber and removes residual ozone. The energy component, located within the device chamber 5 and electrically connected to the sterilization component, powers the sterilization unit. The device provides the necessary energy; the control component is located inside the equipment cavity 5 and is electrically connected to both the disinfection component and the energy component to regulate the disinfection operation parameters. This invention combines ozone and ultraviolet disinfection technologies, leveraging their synergistic effect. Ozone can penetrate into the gaps and lumens of instruments to kill hidden microorganisms; ultraviolet light can rapidly disinfect the surface of instruments. The two disinfection methods complement each other, resulting in higher efficiency and more thorough disinfection compared to a single method. It can effectively kill various microorganisms such as vegetative bacteria, spores, viruses, and fungi, meeting the sterilization requirements of surgical instruments. The overall device of this invention adopts a lightweight design, making it easy to carry in complex terrain in the field. After disinfection, ozone naturally decomposes into oxygen, leaving no chemical residue and causing no environmental pollution; ultraviolet disinfection is a physical disinfection method that does not produce any harmful substances and is highly safe.

[0027] In one embodiment, the portable case includes a case body 1 and a top cover 2. The case body 1 has a sterilization chamber and an equipment chamber 5. The case body 1 is made of aluminum alloy and has a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant treatment layer on its surface. The top cover 2 is detachably connected to the case body 1 by a conventional metal duckbill buckle 3, or by a snap or lock. A flexible sealing structure is provided at the connection between the case body 1 and the top cover 2. In this embodiment, the sealing structure is a silicone sealing strip at the connection between the case body 1 and the top cover 2 to ensure the airtightness of the sterilization chamber. A portable handle 4 is provided in the middle of the outer surface of the top cover 2. A connecting groove can be provided on the outer surface of the top cover 2. The end of the portable handle 4 is rotatably inserted into the corresponding connecting groove. Normally, the portable handle 4 is attached to the surface of the top cover 2 to reduce the size of the device. When the device needs to be moved, the operator can hold the portable handle 4 to carry and move the entire device.

[0028] In one embodiment, the ozone generating module 6 is a corona discharge ozone generator, including a high-voltage electrode, a grounding electrode, and an insulating medium; the corona discharge ozone generator is integrated into the left side of the disinfection chamber. The corona discharge ozone generator converts oxygen in the air into ozone through silent discharge between the high-voltage electrode and the grounding electrode. To improve ozone generation efficiency and stability, a nano-scale dielectric coating is applied to the surface of the high-voltage electrode to enhance discharge uniformity and inhibit electrode oxidation. The ozone generating module 6 can adjust the ozone generation amount according to disinfection requirements, forming a uniform ozone atmosphere inside the disinfection chamber to ensure disinfection without dead zones. An ozone catalytic decomposition protective layer is provided at the outlet of the ozone generating module 6. This layer decomposes residual ozone in the disinfection chamber during the shutdown exhaust phase. The ozone catalytic decomposition protective layer does not function during normal operation, only decomposing residual ozone during shutdown exhaust to prevent high-concentration ozone from being directly discharged to the outside. An air filter is also provided at the air inlet of the ozone generating module 6 to filter out impurities and moisture in the incoming gas, preventing damage to the electrodes. The airflow system 8 in this embodiment includes a miniature fan. During the disinfection phase, the miniature fan drives the gas circulation within the disinfection chamber to ensure uniform ozone distribution. After disinfection, the miniature fan can expel residual ozone from the disinfection chamber with the top cover 2 open. After disinfection, the operator can open the top cover 2 in an open area and activate the miniature fan to forcibly expel the residual ozone from the disinfection chamber, utilizing natural ventilation to accelerate ozone diffusion. The disinfection chamber has a small volume, allowing residual ozone to rapidly decrease to below a safe concentration within a short time. The device also includes an ozone concentration monitoring and alarm system. When the ozone concentration in the disinfection chamber is too high or a leak occurs, an audible and visual alarm is automatically activated to prompt the operator to ventilate and remove residual ozone, ensuring operator safety.

[0029] In one embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation module 7 includes multiple sets of UV lamps, i.e., ultraviolet lamps, with an emission wavelength of 254nm. This wavelength band has a strong bactericidal effect and can effectively destroy the DNA structure of microorganisms. UV lamps are characterized by low energy consumption, long lifespan, and fast response speed, making them suitable for portable outdoor use. To ensure uniform ultraviolet irradiation, the lamps are arranged in a matrix, and the irradiation intensity and time can be adjusted according to different disinfection modes. Multiple sets of UV lamps are distributed in a matrix at the bottom and side walls of the disinfection chamber, and the irradiation intensity and duration of the UV lamps can be adjusted by a control component. This invention achieves synergistic optimization of ultraviolet disinfection and ozone disinfection through an intelligent control component. Based on different disinfection scenarios and instrument types, the ozone generation, ultraviolet irradiation intensity, and time are automatically adjusted, fully leveraging the advantages of both disinfection methods.

[0030] In one embodiment, the control component includes a microprocessor, a sensor module, and an operation panel 9. The sensor module includes a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an ozone concentration sensor, and a pressure sensor. The temperature sensor, humidity sensor, ozone concentration sensor, and pressure sensor are all electrically connected to the microprocessor and are used to collect environmental parameters in the disinfection chamber in real time and feed them back to the microprocessor. The microprocessor adopts a high-performance microcontroller with multiple built-in disinfection programs. It can select an appropriate mode according to different instrument types and disinfection needs. It is used to automatically adjust the ozone generation, ultraviolet irradiation parameters, and the operating status of the airflow system 8 according to the collected environmental parameters and the selected disinfection mode. The operation panel 9 is electrically connected to the microprocessor and is used to input operation commands and display disinfection status information. The operation panel 9 is a touch screen display, which is simple and intuitive to operate. The touch screen display can display at least one of the following information: disinfection progress, remaining time, and environmental parameters of the disinfection chamber.

[0031] In one embodiment, the energy component includes a rechargeable lithium battery, which features large capacity, light weight, and long cycle life, allowing for multiple disinfection needs with a single charge. The rechargeable lithium battery is electrically connected to both the control component and the disinfection component. A vehicle charging interface is located on the outer wall of the portable case, allowing for charging of the rechargeable lithium battery from an external vehicle power source. This adapts to various field resupply scenarios, eliminating reliance on a fixed power source and enabling extended use in the absence of power in the field. Simultaneously, the device possesses excellent sealing and weather resistance, enabling it to withstand harsh field environments such as high temperatures, low temperatures, and high humidity. The device of this invention can be widely applied in scenarios such as field rescue, military medicine, and medical services in remote areas, effectively solving the problem of sterilization and disinfection of surgical instruments in the field. The device is simple to operate and easy to maintain, exhibiting good reliability and stability, and can operate normally in harsh field environments.

[0032] Example 1 This embodiment uses a surgical instrument sterilization device to sterilize routine instruments. For common surgical instruments such as scalpels and forceps, the standard sterilization mode is selected. The instruments are placed in a dedicated tray within the sterilization chamber, and the top cover 2 is closed. The microprocessor automatically activates the ozone generation module 6 and the ultraviolet irradiation module 7, adjusting the ozone generation level to a medium level and the ultraviolet irradiation intensity to the standard value. The airflow system 8 operates continuously to ensure uniform ozone distribution within the sterilization chamber. The sterilization time is set to 30 minutes. During sterilization, the sensor module monitors parameters such as temperature, humidity, and ozone concentration within the sterilization chamber in real time, and the microprocessor automatically adjusts the sterilization parameters based on these changes. After sterilization, the operator opens the top cover 2 in an open area and uses a fan to force ventilation to remove residual ozone. Once the ozone concentration sensor indicates that the concentration within the chamber has dropped below a safe level, the instruments can be removed and used.

[0033] Example 2 This embodiment uses a surgical instrument sterilization device to sterilize tubular instruments. For tubular instruments such as endoscopes and catheters, a tubular sterilization mode is selected. The tubular instruments are fixed in the sterilization chamber using a dedicated fixing device to ensure that the interior of the tube is fully exposed to ozone and ultraviolet light. The microprocessor increases the ozone generation and extends the ultraviolet irradiation time. To ensure that ozone can enter the interior of the tube, the airflow system 8 is adjusted to a pulsed air delivery mode to increase the penetration of ozone. The sterilization time is set to 45 minutes. During the sterilization process, the gas replacement time inside the tube is extended by the pulsed airflow. The ozone concentration change curve inside the sterilization chamber is used to indirectly determine whether the effective sterilization concentration has been reached, thereby ensuring that the sterilization requirements are met. After sterilization, forced ventilation is used to remove residual ozone. The instruments are removed after the concentration monitoring shows that the concentration meets the standard.

[0034] Example 3 This embodiment uses a surgical instrument sterilization device for disinfection in high-altitude environments. In high-altitude areas, due to low air pressure and thin air, ozone generation efficiency and ultraviolet radiation intensity are affected. Therefore, a high-altitude disinfection mode is selected. Based on data from the air pressure sensor, the microprocessor automatically increases the power of the ozone generator to increase ozone production; simultaneously, it increases the ultraviolet radiation intensity and extends the irradiation time. The airflow system 8 accelerates the air delivery speed to promote ozone diffusion. The disinfection time is set to 50 minutes to ensure good disinfection results even in high-altitude environments. Simultaneously, the microprocessor activates the battery heating module to maintain the lithium battery's operating temperature, ensuring a stable power supply in the low-temperature environment of high altitude.

[0035] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument sterilization and disinfection device, characterized in that: include: A portable case, the portable case having a separate sterilization chamber and an equipment chamber inside; the sterilization chamber is used to hold surgical instruments; The disinfection assembly, disposed within the disinfection chamber, includes an ozone generating module, an ultraviolet irradiation module, and an airflow system. The ozone generating module is used to generate ozone and create a disinfection atmosphere within the disinfection chamber. The ultraviolet irradiation module is used to emit sterilizing ultraviolet light into the disinfection chamber. The airflow system is used to drive gas circulation within the disinfection chamber and to expel residual ozone. An energy component, located inside the equipment cavity and electrically connected to the disinfection component, is used to provide the required energy to the disinfection component. as well as A control component is disposed inside the equipment cavity. The control component is electrically connected to the disinfection component and the energy component respectively, and is used to regulate the disinfection operation parameters.

2. The surgical instrument sterilization and disinfection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The portable case includes a case body and a top cover. The case body has a disinfection chamber and a device chamber. The top cover can close the opening of the case body. The case body and the top cover are detachably connected.

3. The surgical instrument sterilization and disinfection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ozone generating module is a corona discharge ozone generator, which includes a high-voltage electrode, a grounding electrode, and an insulating medium; the surface of the high-voltage electrode is coated with a nano-scale dielectric coating to enhance discharge uniformity and inhibit electrode oxidation.

4. The surgical instrument sterilization device according to claim 3, characterized in that: An ozone catalytic decomposition protective layer is provided at the air outlet of the ozone generating module. The ozone catalytic decomposition protective layer is used to decompose the residual ozone in the disinfection chamber during the shutdown exhaust phase. An air filter device is also provided at the air inlet of the ozone generating module to filter out impurities and moisture in the incoming gas.

5. The surgical instrument sterilization and disinfection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultraviolet irradiation module includes multiple sets of UV lamps, each emitting a wavelength of 254nm. The multiple sets of UV lamps are arranged in a matrix at the bottom and sidewalls of the disinfection chamber, and the irradiation intensity and duration of the UV lamps can be adjusted by the control component.

6. The surgical instrument sterilization and disinfection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The airflow system includes a miniature fan; during the disinfection phase, the miniature fan can drive the gas circulation within the disinfection chamber to ensure uniform ozone distribution; after disinfection, the miniature fan can discharge residual ozone from the disinfection chamber with the top cover opened.

7. The surgical instrument sterilization and disinfection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control components include a microprocessor, a sensor module, and an operation panel; The sensor module includes a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an ozone concentration sensor, and a pressure sensor. The temperature sensor, humidity sensor, ozone concentration sensor, and pressure sensor are all electrically connected to the microprocessor and are used to collect environmental parameters inside the disinfection chamber in real time and feed them back to the microprocessor. The microprocessor has multiple built-in disinfection programs, which are used to automatically adjust the ozone generation, ultraviolet irradiation parameters and airflow system operation status according to the collected environmental parameters and the selected disinfection mode. The operation panel is electrically connected to the microprocessor and is used to input operation commands and display disinfection status information.

8. The surgical instrument sterilization and disinfection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The operation panel is a touch screen display, which can display at least one of the following information: disinfection progress, remaining time, and environmental parameters of the disinfection chamber.

9. The surgical instrument sterilization and disinfection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The energy component includes a rechargeable lithium battery, which is electrically connected to the control component and the disinfection component respectively; the outer wall of the portable box is provided with a vehicle charging interface for connecting an external vehicle power source to charge the rechargeable lithium battery.

10. The surgical instrument sterilization device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The box body is made of aluminum alloy, and the surface of the box body is provided with a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant treatment layer; the top cover is detachably connected to the box body by a metal duckbill buckle; a flexible sealing structure is provided at the connection between the box body and the top cover; and a portable handle is provided on the outer surface of the top cover.

Images