Sterilization Tray for Endoscope Coiling and Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes, being long and cumbersome, pose challenges during initial reprocessing steps and transportation due to their size, necessitating a solution for efficient management and sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization tray with a base and lid component, featuring brackets and an insert with a securing mechanism, allows for coiled configuration and reversible use to facilitate handling and sterilization of endoscopes, enabling efficient transportation and sterilization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If endoscopes are transported in traditional containers, then transportation is possible, but handling difficulties and supply usage increase due to the long and cumbersome nature of endoscopes
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into a base component and a lid component that can be separated. The lid component can be removed and used as a separate receptacle, allowing the long endoscope to be transported in segments or folded configurations without requiring a single complex container design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid component is designed to be taller than the base component, creating vertical space that allows the endoscope to be coiled or folded in three-dimensional space rather than requiring linear horizontal space, thereby improving handling ease.
2Reliability
If endoscopes are placed in sterilization trays for sterilization, then sterilization is achieved, but transportation efficiency decreases due to the need for separate handling
Solution Approach 1:
The lid component serves multiple functions: it acts as a cover for the base component during sterilization, and can also function as a separate receptacle for transporting the endoscope. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate transportation containers, thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization tray and transportation receptacle are merged into a single integrated system. The lid component can be used both as part of the sterilization tray assembly and as a standalone transportation container, combining two functions into one device.
3Reliability
If traditional sterilization trays are used, then sterilization is possible, but supply usage increases due to lack of reusable components
Solution Approach 1:
The lid component is designed to be reusable and can be recovered after sterilization. Instead of being discarded after a single use, it can be sterilized again and reused multiple times, reducing supply consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization tray is disclosed herein. A medical instrument, such as an endoscope, may be placed into the sterilization tray, and the sterilization tray with the medical instrument disposed therein may be placed into a vacuum chamber of a sterilization system. The sterilization tray may also be used to transport the medical instrument to and from a point of care. Sterilization is performed with the instrument in the base component and the lid component disposed atop the base component. Transportation is performed with the instrument in the lid component and the base component disposed atop the lid component.