Disposable Sterilization Container with Frangible Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilization methods for medical items face challenges such as tears in sterilization wraps due to tray edges, lack of visibility during sterilization, and the resource-intensive maintenance of reusable containers, leading to potential contamination and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A non-reusable, locking sterilization container with a tray, lid, permeable filter, non-reusable lock, and frangible release, designed for single-use sterilization, providing a secure, transparent, and easy-to-inspect solution that maintains sterility and reduces resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sterilization wraps are made of thin, inexpensive, flexible material, then initial cost is reduced, but the wraps are prone to tears and breaches due to tray edges and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible sterilization wrap made of thin film material that is designed to be strength-enhanced at critical locations. The wrap includes reinforced portions at the edges and corners where tears most commonly occur, allowing the use of thin, inexpensive material while preventing tear propagation at these vulnerable points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates cushioning elements or reinforced structures at the edges and corners of the sterilization wrap before sterilization. These pre-positioned protective features absorb and distribute pressure forces during handling and sterilization, preventing the formation of tears and breaches that would compromise sterility.
2Reliability
If sterilization wraps are made of non-transparent material, then sterility is maintained, but visibility of items and sterilization completion cannot be inspected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates transparent or translucent portions in the sterilization wrap that allow visual inspection of the items inside. These transparent regions enable medical professionals to verify the presence and condition of sterilized items without compromising the overall sterility barrier, as the wrap remains sealed and sterile while allowing light transmission through specific windows.
3Reliability
If reusable vented rigid sterilization containers are used, then sterility is maintained, but significant maintenance and cleaning resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable sterilization wrap system that is designed for single use. After a single sterilization cycle, the entire wrap assembly is discarded, eliminating the need for cleaning, maintenance, and sanitization of reusable containers. This disposable approach significantly reduces the time and resources required for maintenance while maintaining sterility through proper sealing and packaging design.
4Ease of operation
If sterilization trays with pointed edges are used, then items can be securely held, but forces are concentrated that generate tears in the wrap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the sterilization wrap. The edges and corners of the wrap are made with enhanced strength and tear resistance through reinforcement, while the central portions maintain their flexibility and simplicity. This localized quality enhancement allows the wrap to withstand the concentrated forces from tray edges without tearing.
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 container ensures sterility and confidence in medical procedures by preventing contamination, reducing resource waste, and simplifying handling and inspection processes, while being cost-effective and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
a permeable filter, a non-reusable lock and a frangible release... The permeable filter provides a path for a sterilant to enter the chamber from outside the container
Data Source
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AI summary
A non-reusable, locking container for sterilizing and storing surgical materials and presenting surgical materials in a sterilized condition. The non-reusable, locking sterilization container includes a tray, a lid, a permeable filter, a non-reusable lock and a frangible release that limit the container to only a single sterilization cycle or single use.