Sterilization Container Sensor Module for Steam Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization containers require instruments to be held in quarantine for extended periods to determine sterilization effectiveness, and they lack efficient battery management and methods to determine saturated steam environments.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization container equipped with a sensor module that includes temperature and pressure sensors, a processor for evaluating environmental measurements, and a battery management system to conserve power, along with a method to determine saturated steam environments by analyzing temperature and pressure data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the sensor module continuously monitors the container environment, then sterilization verification is immediate, but battery power is depleted quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active monitoring and low-power sleep states. The processor periodically activates the sensors to take measurements and then enters a sleep mode to conserve battery power, rather than continuously monitoring the container environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on sterilization process requirements. The sensor module can transition between different monitoring intensities and power consumption levels to balance immediate verification needs with battery life constraints.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors continuously monitor temperature and pressure, then sterilization effectiveness is accurately determined, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor integrates multiple sensor functions into a single unified system that evaluates sterilization effectiveness. Rather than having separate evaluation systems for temperature and pressure monitoring, the processor combines these measurements and applies sterilization process parameters to determine overall effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor serves multiple functions: it controls the sensor module, evaluates environmental measurements, determines sterilization effectiveness, and manages power consumption. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Productivity
If the battery operates at high power to enable immediate sterilization verification, then sterilization state can be determined quickly, but the battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active monitoring and low-power sleep states. The processor periodically activates the sensors to take measurements and then enters a sleep mode to conserve battery power, rather than continuously monitoring the container environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by taking sensor readings at critical points during the sterilization process before final verification is needed. This allows the system to prepare sterilization effectiveness data in advance while using minimal power during the actual verification phase.
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
Enables immediate verification of sterilization state, reduces the need for prolonged quarantine periods, extends battery life by optimizing power usage, and accurately determines if instruments are in a saturated steam environment.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor module includes a temperature sensor that provides a temperature reading for the inside of the sterilization container
Implementation Method 2
The sensor module includes a pressure sensor that provides a pressure reading for the inside of the sterilization container
Implementation Method 3
The sterilization container includes a battery that supplies the charge required to activate the processor as well as the typically one or more sensors that require electrical power to function
Data Source
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AI summary
A sterilization container (60) with a sensor module for monitoring the environmental characteristics internal to the container. The sensor module includes a normally closed end bore. A sensor is disposed in the closed end void space. Other sensors also part of the module monitor the pressure and temperature of the environment inside the container. Based on the measurements of the environment in the container and the environment within the closed end void space it is possible to determine the extent to which the container is filled with saturated steam.