Modular Insert for Medical Instrument Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instrument cleaning devices are typically designed for a specific type of instrument, limiting their range of application, and often feature heavy, complex inserts that are cumbersome to use.
Innovation Solution
A modular insert system with operating means connected to a motor, allowing for the cleaning of a variety of medical instruments by enabling specific designs for each instrument type, with detachable coupling means and a simpler, lighter construction, and an ultrasonic cleaning device with piezoelectric elements for efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning device uses a purpose-built insert for a specific type of medical instrument, then the cleaning effectiveness for that instrument type is improved, but the adaptability to clean different types of instruments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into a permanent base unit and exchangeable inserts. Each insert is designed for specific instrument types, allowing the system to adapt to different cleaning needs while maintaining specialized cleaning effectiveness for each instrument category.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent base unit provides universal functions (ultrasonic generation, fluid circulation, control systems) that serve all insert types. This allows a single device to clean multiple types of medical instruments through interchangeable specialized inserts.
2Ease of operation
If the insert includes integrated motor and operating means for each instrument, then the ease of operation is improved, but the weight and complexity of the insert deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The motor and control systems are extracted from the inserts and placed in the permanent base unit. This reduces insert weight and complexity while maintaining ease of operation, as the automated functions are provided by the base unit's centralized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrical connectors and control interfaces act as intermediaries between the simple inserts and the sophisticated base unit. This allows complex automated functions to be provided to simple inserts without adding complexity to the inserts themselves.
3Ease of operation
If the insert includes integrated motor and operating means for each instrument, then the ease of operation is improved, but the weight of the insert deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The motor and power systems are extracted from the inserts and relocated to the permanent base unit. This dramatically reduces insert weight, making them easier to handle and exchange, while the base unit provides all necessary automated functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operating mechanisms in the inserts are replaced with electrical actuators and automated control systems in the base unit. This reduces insert weight while improving ease of operation through automated control.
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
Enables the cleaning of a wide range of medical instruments with ease, ensuring proper operation and maintenance of each instrument's unique components while reducing the weight and complexity of the insert and device.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic cleaning device with piezoelectric elements for efficient cleaning
Implementation Method 2
device for cleaning medical instruments, preferably by ultrasonic cleaning
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an insert (1) configured for being arranged in a device for cleaning medical instruments, the insert being arranged for receiving the medical instruments to be cleaned, the medical instruments being provided with operating elements for moving moveable parts of the medical instruments, the insert comprising operating means (6) for operating the operating elements during cleaning, the operating means being arranged for connection with a motor (7) for driving the operating means during cleaning.