Intervention Control for Medical Washer Sterilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of devices for washing, disinfecting, and sterilizing medical and pharmaceutical goods face challenges in safely interrupting ongoing processes without causing contamination or requiring costly reprocessing, due to the stress of activating alarms or stopping irrevocable processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allow users to pause and interact with ongoing processes, displaying options to abort or hold the process for resumption, considering the consequences of door opening and ensuring safe handling, thereby reducing stress and reprocessing needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator activates an alarm to stop the on-going process, then the process can be interrupted, but the operator experiences stress and the operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the operator and the process control system. Instead of directly activating alarms or stopping processes, the operator interacts with the control unit which then manages the intervention process, including pausing the process and presenting options, thereby reducing operator stress while maintaining reliable process control
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the operator by displaying multiple selectable options on the display unit after detecting intervention intention. This feedback loop allows the operator to see the consequences of potential actions (abort vs. hold process) before making a decision, reducing stress by eliminating uncertainty about the intervention outcomes
2Ease of operation
If the operator stops the on-going process, then the intervention can be performed, but the process cannot be resumed and full reprocessing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the process state based on operator input. When intervention is detected, the process transitions to a paused state rather than being stopped completely. This dynamic state change allows the process to be resumed later if conditions permit, avoiding the need for full reprocessing and maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary actions by pausing the process and evaluating whether it can be resumed before allowing door opening. This preliminary assessment prevents situations where the process would need to be completely restarted, thereby maintaining productivity while still allowing necessary interventions
3Ease of operation
If the door is opened during the on-going process, then the operator can access the chamber, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Before allowing the door to be opened, the control unit performs a preliminary evaluation of the current process state to determine if opening would cause contamination. This preliminary check prevents door opening during critical phases of the process, reducing contamination risk while still allowing access when safe
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the operator about the safety of opening the door by presenting options only when the process state allows safe intervention. The control unit monitors process parameters and provides feedback on whether opening the door would compromise sterility, thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining operational flexibility
4Loss of information
If the process is paused and options are presented, then the operator can make informed decisions, but the intervention time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intervention process is segmented into distinct phases: detection of intervention intention, pausing the process, presenting options, and executing the selected action. This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive information without creating a single lengthy delay, as each phase is handled separately and efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary evaluation of the process state and prepares the appropriate options before presenting them to the operator. This preliminary preparation reduces the actual decision-making time for the operator, as the system has already analyzed the situation and is ready to present relevant options immediately
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for guiding a user to intervene in an on-going process in a device for washing, disinfecting, drying and/or sterilizing medical, dental, laboratory and/or pharmaceutical goods. The device includes a chamber for receiving the goods, a door, and a display. The device receives input from the user indicating an intention to intervene in the on-going process, optionally pauses the process, and displays a plurality of graphical interactive user-interface objects including a first object associated with aborting the process. If the process is considered resumable after a hypothetical opening of the door in the current process state, the objects include a second object associated with confirming holding the on-going process for subsequent resumption. Users may also cancel the intervention. Users are informed of consequences of intervening in the on-going process, and have control of how to proceed. The disclosure also relates to corresponding devices and computer programs.