Modular Sterilization Container With Snap-Fit Panels for Deep Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instrument containers are structurally complex, expensive, lack versatility, and inefficient in cleaning, with metal components requiring costly production processes and inadequate support trays.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a polymeric frame and metal containment panels with modular, snap-fit attachment, allowing efficient cleaning and versatile use with interchangeable trays and clippers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal components with complex shapes are used in connection portions, then structural strength and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into separate components (body, lid, support tray) that can be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled together. This segmentation allows each part to be made with basic molding or forming operations rather than complex deformation processes, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining structural integrity through proper connection designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention integrates multiple functions into simpler components. For example, the support tray combines instrument retention with drainage functionality through its perforated structure, and the connection portions are designed to serve both structural and assembly functions simultaneously, reducing the need for separately complex-shaped metal components.
2Reliability
If fixed support trays and clippers are used, then instrument retention is reliable, but versatility and adaptability to different operating conditions are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support tray and clippers are designed as removable and interchangeable components rather than fixed structures. The connection mechanism allows for easy attachment and detachment, enabling the system to be dynamically reconfigured for different surgical procedures and instrument sets, thereby achieving both reliable retention during use and high versatility across different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The container system is designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized components that can accommodate various types of support trays and clippers. This multi-functionality allows a single container to serve multiple surgical purposes by simply changing the inserted trays and clippers, enhancing adaptability without compromising instrument retention during each specific procedure.
3Reliability
If traditional container structures are used, then basic containment is achieved, but cleaning efficiency and ability to ensure deep cleaning are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support tray is designed with a perforated structure that allows washing fluid to pass through and reach instruments on multiple surfaces. This porous design enables comprehensive cleaning coverage by directing water flow to otherwise hard-to-reach areas, significantly improving cleaning efficiency without requiring complex mechanical cleaning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed as an assembly of separable components (body, lid, support tray, clippers) that can be disassembled for thorough cleaning. This segmentation allows each component to be independently cleaned and inspected, ensuring deep cleaning of all surfaces including connection portions and hidden areas, while the overall structure remains relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
Container (1) and kit for washing and/or disinfecting and/or sterilising medical instruments comprising a frame (10), made of a polymeric material and defining a containment volume (V) and a plurality of containment panels (20), made of a metal material, constrained or constrainable to the frame (10) and defining a bottom wall (21), an upper wall (22) and a plurality of side walls (23, 24, 25, 26) of the container (1) so as to delimit the containment volume (V). Furthermore, the containment panels (20) have a plurality of holes suitable for the passage of a washing fluid. Not least, the containment panels (20) have a planar shape.