Modular Sterilization Tray Brackets for Repositionable Device Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sterilization trays lack modularity and feedback mechanisms, making it difficult for medical professionals to efficiently position and access reusable medical devices during surgical procedures and central sterile processing.

Innovation Solution

A modular tray and bracket system that allows for detachable retention of medical devices, featuring modular bracket assemblies that can be easily relocated without additional fasteners, and includes identification features for cataloging devices, promoting flexibility and reliability in the perioperative and central sterile processing environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional sterilization trays use fixed attachment mechanisms, then devices are securely retained, but modularity and repositioning flexibility are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemodularityVSAvoiddevice retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket assembly is divided into separate modular components including the bracket body, attachment mechanism, and device retention elements. This segmentation allows individual components to be independently positioned, attached, and adjusted on the tray, providing both modularity for reconfiguration and reliable retention when assembled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanisms are designed to transition between attached and detached states, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of the bracket assembly. This allows medical professionals to reposition brackets and retain devices as needed while maintaining secure retention when in the attached state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If sterilization trays provide no feedback or instruction, then the system remains simple, but medical professionals lack guidance for efficient device access and positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice accessVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket assembly incorporates visual identification features such as colored indicators, labels, or positioning marks that provide immediate feedback to medical professionals about device locations, tray contents, and proper assembly states. This feedback mechanism guides efficient device access and positioning without requiring complex electronic systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket assembly is pre-configured with identification features and positioning elements during manufacturing, allowing medical professionals to quickly understand tray contents and device locations without requiring additional setup or complex operations during surgical procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3755262B1Modular tray and bracket assembly for equipment sterilization

Publication Date: 2024.05.15 K1 MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

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AI summary

The present disclosure provides advantageous tray and bracket assembly that is configured and adapted to promote modularity and withstand the harsh environment of central sterile processing processes. Modular bracket assembly may be removed and relocated on tray without additional fasteners or components. Tray and bracket assembly may further provide identification features to correctly associate cataloged reusable medical devices to identified trays.