Medical Instrument Container Venting for Uniform Liquid Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical instrument treatment devices fail to ensure optimal treatment liquid residence time within containers, leading to ineffective and non-homogeneous treatment of both rigid and flexible instruments.

Innovation Solution

A containing device with a calibrated discharge hole in the bottom and a mobile lid, along with air venting, to control liquid flow and maintain treatment liquid inside the container for extended periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If treatment liquid is circulated quickly through the container, then liquid flow rate is improved, but treatment effectiveness and homogeneity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid flow rateVSAvoidtreatment effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the balance between liquid flow rate and residence time by controlling the discharge hole size and position. The mobile lid can be positioned to optimize liquid levels, and the discharge hole calibration ensures that liquid flows fast enough for efficient treatment but slow enough to maintain adequate contact time with instruments for effective washing and sterilizing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If treatment liquid flows too fast through the container, then processing speed is improved, but treatment homogeneity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidtreatment homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge hole is strategically positioned and calibrated to create localized flow patterns that ensure uniform treatment distribution. The hole's specific location and size create turbulence and flow mixing zones that promote homogeneous treatment of all instrument surfaces while maintaining overall processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the container is sealed tightly to maintain sterility, then protection is improved, but air venting capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterility maintenanceVSAvoidair venting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile lid acts as an intermediary element that can be positioned to simultaneously achieve hermetic sealing for sterility maintenance and controlled air venting when needed. The lid's mobility allows it to function as both a seal and a venting mechanism, with its position adjusted based on the specific treatment requirements and air pressure conditions within the container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Guarantees effective washing and sterilizing of both rigid and flexible instruments by optimizing liquid permanence and preventing air bubble formation, ensuring thorough treatment.

Implementation Method 1

a discharge hole made in the bottom, calibrated so as to allow a discharge of liquid with a flow rate lower than the flow rate loaded through the inlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow rate control through calibrated opening:

Implementation Method 2

a lid mobile with respect to the container to selectively define a closed condition and an open condition of the containing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHermetic sealing:

Implementation Method 3

The lid comprises at least one hole for air to escape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir escape through lid hole:

Data Source

PatentEP4663096A1Containing device for treating and transporting medical instruments in a protected manner
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 STEELCO
  • EP4663096A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4663096A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4663096A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Containing device (10) for treating medical instruments in a protected manner, comprising a container (11) in which one or more medical instruments are put, at least one inlet (13) for a treatment liquid, and at least one lid (12) mobile with respect to the container (11) to selectively define a closed condition and an open condition.