Automated Sanitization System for Biological Sample Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sanitizing containers holding biological samples are inefficient, risking contamination for healthcare professionals and potentially altering the samples, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they often rely on manual disinfection which is time-consuming and may not ensure complete sterilization without damaging the containers or labels.
Innovation Solution
An automated system for sanitizing containers using a sanitization route with biocidal fluid dispensing and drying mechanisms, specifically designed to handle containers for biological samples, ensuring minimal direct handling by healthcare professionals and maintaining sample integrity by using an aqueous sodium hypochlorite solution and compressed air for effective disinfection and drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sanitization is performed by healthcare professionals, then the containers can be sanitized, but the risk of contamination for healthcare professionals increases and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-sanitization of containers through an automated mechanism that conveys containers through a sanitization chamber where biocidal fluid is dispensed, eliminating the need for manual handling by healthcare professionals and significantly reducing sanitization time while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical sanitization process is replaced with an automated system comprising a conveying mechanism and a sanitization chamber with biocidal fluid dispensing, substituting human labor with an automated mechanical-electrical system that performs sanitization faster and safer
2Reliability
If strong disinfectant solutions are used to ensure complete sterilization, then the sanitization effectiveness improves, but the labels on containers may detach or discolor
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the chemical parameters of the disinfectant by using an aqueous sodium hypochlorite solution with controlled concentration (0.5-5% w/v), adjusting the biocidal strength to effectively kill pathogens while being gentle enough not to damage labels, thus resolving the contradiction between sterilization completeness and label integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The biocidal fluid dispensing system acts as an intermediary mechanism that applies the disinfectant solution in a controlled manner through spray nozzles, regulating the application parameters to ensure complete sanitization while preventing excessive exposure that could damage labels
3Ease of manufacture
If manual sanitization is performed, then the process is simple to implement, but the efficiency is low and processing speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sanitization process into distinct functional modules: a conveying mechanism for transporting containers, a sanitization chamber for applying biocidal fluid, and a drying section for removing excess fluid. This segmentation enables automated high-speed processing while keeping each module relatively simple and the overall system modular
4Ease of operation
If healthcare professionals manually handle containers for sanitization, then the operation is straightforward, but the risk of contamination and infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs sanitization without requiring healthcare professionals to manually handle containers, with the automated conveying mechanism taking over the handling task, thus eliminating the contamination risk associated with manual handling while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The automated conveying mechanism acts as an intermediary between the container and the sanitization chamber, eliminating direct contact between healthcare professionals and contaminated containers, thus reducing contamination risk while the system remains easy to operate through automated control
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 significantly reduces the risk of contamination for healthcare professionals while ensuring the biological samples remain intact and properly sanitized, enhancing the efficiency of handling and processing during critical situations like pandemics.
Implementation Method 1
a sanitization chamber (7) comprising means for dispensing (8) a biocidal fluid... the biocidal fluid is an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite
Implementation Method 2
means for drying (9) containers for biological samples... a drying chamber (10)... suitable for drying the containers for biological samples
Implementation Method 3
compressed air for effective disinfection and drying
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the automated sanitization of containers for biological samples is described, the system comprising housing means for containers for biological samples, a sanitization route having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, handling means of said housing means, which are suitable for conveying the containers for biological samples along said sanitization route, a sanitization chamber and means for drying containers for biological samples; a process employing the system of the above-mentioned type is also described.