Modular Sterilization Tray Brackets for Repositionable Device Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilization trays lack modularity and feedback, 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 brackets 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
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sterilization trays are used, then device retention is provided, but modularity and ease of repositioning are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The tray system is divided into modular components: the base tray and detachable bracket assemblies. Each bracket assembly can be independently removed and repositioned on the tray using a simple snap-fit mechanism with locators, enabling flexible configuration without complex fasteners or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assemblies transition from a fixed state during sterilization to a movable state during use. The locators are designed to allow easy insertion and removal of brackets from the tray, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of device positions based on surgical needs.
2Ease of operation
If traditional sterilization trays are used, then device retention is provided, but accessibility and positioning flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bracket assemblies can be distributed across the tray surface, each independently positionable. This segmentation allows medical professionals to create customized configurations for different surgical instruments, improving both accessibility and positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assemblies are designed with universal compatibility - the same bracket design can retain various types of surgical instruments (scissors, forceps, retractors, etc.). The standardized interface allows any bracket to hold any instrument, providing multi-functionality across the entire tray system.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple retention mechanisms are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but identification and cataloging capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function and identification function are merged into a single bracket assembly. The bracket not only mechanically retains the surgical instrument but also provides an integrated label holder or surface for attachment of identification labels, combining two functions without increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A label or identification tag serves as an intermediary between the bracket and the instrument it retains. The label can be attached to the bracket and provides cataloging information, while the bracket itself remains a simple mechanical retention component, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while adding identification capability.
Data Source
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.