Perforated Metal Aneurysm Clip Tray for Faster Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trays for storing aneurysm clips, both plastic and metal, face challenges in sterilization efficiency and production complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a metal plate, preferably made of stainless steel or titanium alloy, is perforated using laser cutting and formed into a corrugated or trapezoidal sheet with channel-shaped depressions for easy sterilization and production simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic trays are used for storing aneurysm clips, then ease of manufacture is improved, but drying time and energy consumption increase significantly after washing or sterilizing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces plastic material with metal material (stainless steel, titanium alloy, or anodized aluminum) to manufacture the tray. This material substitution fundamentally changes the drying characteristics - metal trays drain water much more efficiently through their perforated structure and do not retain moisture like plastic, thereby dramatically reducing drying time and energy consumption while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized metal fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a highly perforated metal tray design where the metal plate contains numerous perforations (holes) distributed across its surface. This porous structure allows water to drain quickly through the tray during and after washing/sterilization, preventing water accumulation and minimizing drying time. The high perforation ratio (larger total area of holes relative to solid metal) enhances drainage efficiency while maintaining structural integrity
2Reliability
If metal trays are used for storing aneurysm clips, then sterilization efficiency is improved, but production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the metal plate into multiple functional zones through a systematic perforation pattern. The tray is divided into a body portion with numerous perforations for drainage and a base portion with reduced or no perforations for structural support and stability. This segmentation allows the tray to achieve high sterilization efficiency through extensive water flow and steam penetration in the perforated areas while maintaining production simplicity through standardized manufacturing processes for each zone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes key parameters to balance sterilization efficiency with production simplicity: the metal plate thickness is specified as 0.5-2.0 mm (preferably 0.8 mm) to ensure sufficient structural strength while allowing effective steam and heat penetration; the perforation diameter is controlled at 0.3-1.0 mm to maximize drainage and sterilization effectiveness; and the perforation ratio is optimized to achieve high water drainage efficiency while maintaining tray stability during manufacturing and use
3Loss of time
If a high perforation ratio is implemented to improve drainage, then drying time is reduced, but tray stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different perforation densities to different regions of the tray - the body portion has a high perforation ratio (larger total area of perforations) to maximize water drainage and reduce drying time, while the base portion has reduced or no perforations to maintain structural stability and support the tray's weight. This local differentiation of quality allows the tray to achieve rapid drying where needed while preserving stability where structurally critical
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses metal materials with inherently high strength-to-weight ratios (stainless steel, titanium alloy, or anodized aluminum) that can withstand high perforation ratios without compromising overall tray stability. These materials maintain sufficient structural integrity even with extensive perforations, allowing the tray to achieve rapid drainage and drying while preserving the stability needed for handling and sterilization processes
4Manufacturing precision
If laser cutting is used to produce perforations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but production time may increase due to heat-induced thermal deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary clamping of the metal plate before and during the laser cutting process to prevent heat-induced thermal deformations and warping. By securing the plate in a fixed position before applying laser heat, the process maintains high perforation precision while avoiding time-consuming corrections or rework, thereby preserving production efficiency despite the use of laser cutting
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 method enables a simple and efficient sterilization process with reduced drying time and energy consumption, while maintaining tray stability, and simplifies the production process by allowing a higher perforation ratio without compromising stability.
Implementation Method 1
the perforations are produced by means of laser cutting
Implementation Method 2
Creating the perforations with a laser generates heat, which in turn can cause warping of the panel
Implementation Method 3
the plate provided with the perforations is formed into a corrugated or trapezoidal sheet by bending
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a tray (44) for storing aneurysm clips, in which method firstly a metal plate (2) is provided which is subsequently equipped with perforations (4). The perforations (4) are produced by means of laser cutting and the plate (2) provided with the perforations (4) is reshaped by means of bending to form a corrugated sheet or a sheet with trapezoidal corrugations (24), which sheet has at least one channel-like indentation (22) for storing aneurysm clips. The invention further relates to a tray (44) for storing aneurysm clips which comprises a corrugated sheet or a sheet with trapezoidal corrugations (24) equipped with laser-cut perforations (4), wherein the corrugated sheet or a sheet with trapezoidal corrugations (24) has at least one channel-like indentation (22).