Implant Storage System with Segmented Web Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems for implants and screw packaging hinder the access of cleaning liquid and steam, requiring insufficient sterilization times and additional effort for adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with web-shaped main sections and a table-like insert featuring elongated openings for lateral accessibility, allowing at least 30% open side surfaces for better cleaning liquid and steam passage, and customizable color coding for easy handling and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solid side walls are used in storage systems, then structural strength and stability are improved, but access of cleaning liquid and steam to implants is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The solid side walls are segmented into web-shaped sections with elongated openings, creating a frame construction that maintains structural integrity while allowing cleaning liquid and steam to pass through to the implants and instruments stored within
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls are designed with elongated openings forming a porous-like structure that allows fluid and vapor penetration, enabling cleaning and sterilization processes to effectively reach all surfaces of stored medical devices
2Device complexity
If standard sterilization conditions (5 minutes at 134°C) are used with closed storage systems, then sterilization process simplicity is maintained, but sterilization effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The frame construction with web-shaped sections and elongated openings enables effective steam penetration during sterilization, allowing standard sterilization conditions to achieve sufficient sterilization effectiveness without requiring extended sterilization times or complex process adjustments
3Strength
If box-shaped storage systems with rigid walls are used, then storage system durability is improved, but ease of cleaning and sterilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid box-shaped structure is modified by segmenting the side walls into web-shaped sections with elongated openings, creating a frame construction that maintains durability while dramatically improving accessibility for cleaning and sterilization processes
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from solid two-dimensional wall surfaces to a three-dimensional frame construction with vertical web sections and horizontal elongated openings, creating multiple pathways for cleaning liquid and steam to reach all surfaces
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
Facilitates easier handling, cleaning, and sterilization of implants and instruments by ensuring effective passage of cleaning liquid and steam, reducing sterilization time and effort, and enabling easy customization and color coding for specific screw types.
Implementation Method 1
the opening or the cutout between the two adjacent main sections ensuring lateral accessibility and good passage of the cleaning liquid in the dishwasher and of the steam itself
Implementation Method 2
it is possible with the known storage systems that the sterilization at 5 minutes and 134° C. (standard conditions) is not sufficient
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a storage system for implants and/or surgical instruments, which storage system comprises a base plate (51) and four rib-shaped main sections (52, 54; 55, 57) extending perpendicular to the base plate (51) and a lid (59), wherein two adjacent main sections (52, 54; 55, 57) form a side surface (58, 58') which is substantially open or cut out and the percentage of the open or cut-out side surface to the total side surface of the storage system is at least 30% and wherein the opening or cut-out between the two adjacent main sections (52, 54; 55, 57) ensures good passage of the cleaning fluid in the dishwasher and of the steam.