Instrument Washing Rack With Rotary Spray Arms for Robotic Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning and disinfecting intricate robotic surgical instruments are inefficient and lack standardization, making them difficult to automate effectively.
Innovation Solution
An automated washing and disinfection apparatus with a rack system that includes a frame assembly, rotary spray arm, and fluid circulation system, equipped with filters and connectors to securely hold and clean various types of robotic surgical instruments, ensuring thorough disinfection and compatibility with different instrument models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cleaning methods are used for robotic surgical instruments, then flexibility in handling different instrument types is maintained, but cleaning efficiency and standardization are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is divided into modular components including a rack system with multiple positions, spray arms with adjustable nozzles, and detachable connectors. This segmentation allows the system to handle different instrument types while maintaining automated cleaning efficiency and facilitating easy maintenance of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system incorporates universal connectors and adjustable spray arms that can accommodate multiple types of robotic surgical instruments. This multi-functionality enables a single automated system to clean various instrument configurations without requiring separate dedicated systems for each instrument type.
2Reliability
If standardized automated cleaning systems are implemented, then cleaning consistency is improved, but adaptability to different instrument models is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spray arms and nozzles are designed with adjustable positions and angles that can be dynamically configured for different instrument types. The rack system allows for repositioning of instruments at various locations, enabling the standardized automated system to adapt to different instrument geometries while maintaining consistent cleaning parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the rack and spray arms can be configured with specific nozzle patterns and spray intensities tailored to local cleaning requirements of different instrument types. This localized customization within a standardized system maintains cleaning consistency while accommodating instrument variations.
3Loss of time
If intricate robotic surgical instruments are cleaned manually, then attention to detail can be applied, but time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated cleaning system performs continuous spraying and circulation of cleaning solutions through the instruments without interruption. The system maintains constant fluid flow and spray coverage throughout the cleaning cycle, eliminating the start-stop nature of manual cleaning and significantly reducing total cleaning time while maintaining thoroughness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses circulating fluid that is continuously filtered and reused throughout the cleaning process. The filtration system automatically removes debris from the cleaning solution, allowing the same fluid to serve multiple instruments in sequence without requiring frequent replacement or manual intervention.
4Reliability
If multiple fluid paths are used for thorough cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but system complexity and fluid management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid paths are merged into a single integrated circulation system that uses one pump and one filtration unit to serve all cleaning functions. The system divides the fluid flow into different paths using manifolds and valves, but consolidates the major components to reduce overall system complexity and simplify fluid management.
Solution Approach 2:
A central circulation system acts as an intermediary between the fluid source and multiple cleaning points. The circulation system distributes filtered fluid through various paths to different spray arms and connectors, managing the complexity of multiple fluid paths through a centralized control mechanism.
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 apparatus provides a standardized and efficient method for cleaning and disinfecting robotic surgical instruments, ensuring thorough disinfection and compatibility with multiple instrument types, enhancing the reproducibility and consistency of the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
The spray arm has a plurality of spray nozzles configured to direct a fluid provided from the tubular sections toward the surgical instruments
Implementation Method 2
A filter of the rack is configured to filter the fluid from the fluid inlet
Implementation Method 3
Each of the polymeric restraints is configured to force the respective one of the surgical instruments toward the support bracket to secure the respective one of the surgical instruments to the support bracket. The body portion may be elastically extended around the respective one of the surgical instruments
Data Source
AI summary
A rack for holding and washing surgical instruments in a washer/disinfector includes a frame assembly having tubular sections, a rotary spray arm mounted to the frame assembly, a fluid inlet positioned on the frame assembly to connect the frame assembly to the washer/disinfector, a first fluid path defined from the fluid inlet to the spray nozzles through one or more of the tubular sections to direct fluid from the washer/disinfector to the spray nozzles, a second fluid path defined from the fluid inlet to connectors through the tubular section, a filter for fluids from the fluid inlet, and a securing system to secure the surgical instruments.