Cleaning Indicator Tray Clip and Transparent Window Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning indicators for washer-disinfectors are prone to placement errors, provide unclear results, are expensive due to materials like stainless steel, and require additional user training, leading to inconsistent wash cycle results.
Innovation Solution
A single-use cleaning indicator with a base, soil coupon, and transparent cover that attaches securely to a washer-disinfector tray, featuring a recessed area for the soil coupon and clips for easy attachment, allowing for clear visualization of cleaning efficacy through a transparent window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cleaning indicators are held loose in the washer-disinfector, then they can be easily placed, but they may move during the process or may not be adequately treated with the spray
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning indicator is integrated with a holder that attaches to the washer-disinfector tray, combining the indicator and positioning function into a single unit. This prevents the indicator from moving during the wash cycle while ensuring it remains in the cleaning path of the spray.
2Strength
If cleaning indicators are made from materials like stainless steel, then they are durable and reusable, but they are expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning indicator uses a disposable design with a plastic holder and indicator card rather than expensive stainless steel construction. This single-use approach reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining sufficient durability for the intended application lifecycle.
3Manufacturing precision
If cleaning indicators require additional user training for inserting the soil coupon in the holder, then placement accuracy improves, but user complexity increases and results become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The soil coupon is pre-attached to the indicator card in a recessed area, eliminating the separate step of inserting the coupon into the holder. This integration ensures consistent placement without requiring additional user training or skill.
4Adaptability or versatility
If cleaning indicators provide results that are deciphered differently from user to user, then interpretation flexibility exists, but measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning indicator uses distinct color changes on the indicator card to show cleaning efficacy. The color transformation provides an unambiguous visual signal that is easily interpreted by all users, eliminating variability in result deciphering while maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning indicator is disclosed for determining the effectiveness of a washing and disinfecting process related to the healthcare, medical device and pharmaceutical fields. The cleaning indicator includes a base, a soil coupon and a cover. The base has a recessed area for receiving the soil coupon and the cover is attached to the base by clip members. The cover has a transparent window for viewing the soil coupon which transparent window optionally may have a small hole therein. The base includes grip members for attaching the cleaning indicator to a tray in a washer-disinfector. The cleaning indicator is placed in the washer-disinfector for medical instruments or the like for determining the efficacy of the wash cycle of the washer-disinfector.