Integrated Dental Instrument Reprocessing Container System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for reprocessing dental instruments require multiple devices for separate steps like disinfection, sterilization, and maintenance, leading to increased space, complexity, and personnel effort, with no networked data exchange for automatic documentation.
Innovation Solution
A storage container system that holds multiple media, allowing individual and selective removal of each medium, with on-site propellant addition via needles, reducing the need for multiple containers and simplifying the connection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for disinfection, sterilization, and maintenance steps, then each function can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the space required and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate reprocessing devices (disinfection, sterilization, maintenance) into a single integrated device. The housing contains all functional components, and multiple storage containers are integrated into one system, allowing all reprocessing steps to be performed in one location rather than requiring separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated reprocessing device performs multiple functions (disinfection, sterilization, maintenance) through a single universal system. The device can handle different instrument types and perform various reprocessing steps using the same hardware platform, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for reprocessing steps, then each step can be optimized independently, but the overall space requirement and personnel effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate reprocessing devices into a single integrated unit with a common housing. All storage containers for different media (disinfectant, sterilant, maintenance fluids) are integrated into this one housing, significantly reducing the space required compared to having separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where multiple storage containers are positioned within the housing of the integrated device. The containers are arranged to fit efficiently within the available space, with some containers potentially nested within others or arranged in a compact configuration that minimizes the overall footprint of the device.
3Ease of operation
If individual spray cans are connected to the reprocessing device, then media can be supplied, but the effort and space required for connection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the media storage into separate removable storage containers, each dedicated to a specific medium. This allows each container to be independently connected to the device via simple connection elements, reducing the complexity compared to connecting multiple separate spray cans while maintaining the ability to supply different media types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces connection elements as intermediaries between the storage containers and the reprocessing device. These standardized connection elements simplify the coupling process, providing a uniform interface that reduces the effort and complexity associated with connecting multiple different media sources to the device.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual transport of instruments between devices is required, then flexibility in processing is maintained, but personnel deployment and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all reprocessing steps (disinfection, sterilization, maintenance) into a single integrated device, eliminating the need to manually transport instruments between multiple separate devices. The instrument can remain in the same device throughout the entire reprocessing sequence, significantly reducing personnel deployment and time consumption while maintaining processing flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A storage container (20) for storing media for disinfecting, sterilizing and/or treating medical instruments (4), in particular dental instruments (4), is designed as a canister in which a first receiving area (21) is formed which is connected to a first removal element (22) and contains a first medium, wherein the first receiving area (21) is in contact, at least around part of its circumference, with a second receiving area (23), which contains a second medium (24) and is connected to an attachment element (25) for removing the second medium (24) and for delivering a propellant into the second receiving area (23).