Multi-Chamber Instrument Container Pressure-Driven Deactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid microbial deactivation systems face challenges in effectively deactivating instruments with internal pathways, as they require precise connector selection and struggle to reach external surfaces, leading to inefficiencies in the deactivation process.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chamber instrument container with flow pathways between chambers, where a pressure differential is maintained to induce liquid microbial deactivation fluid to flow through internal pathways of instruments, eliminating the need for direct connector connections and allowing simultaneous processing of instruments of varying dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are directly connected to ports of lumened instruments to flow deactivation fluid, then fluid can be pumped through internal pathways, but it requires precise connector selection and cannot effectively reach external surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) separated by dividing walls with flow pathways. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions: one chamber receives deactivation fluid while other chambers process instruments, eliminating the need for direct connector connections to instrument ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary container system with multiple chambers and flow pathways between them. Instead of directly connecting conduits to instrument ports, the deactivation fluid is circulated through the container chambers, which act as intermediaries to deliver fluid to instruments placed within the chambers.
2Reliability
If connectors are used to deliver deactivation fluid to instrument ports, then internal pathways can be flushed, but external surfaces engaged with connectors cannot be effectively treated
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into multiple chambers that can accommodate instruments in different orientations and positions. This allows deactivation fluid to access external surfaces of instruments from multiple directions, ensuring complete coverage of all surfaces including those that would be obscured by connector connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-chamber design adds spatial dimensions to the deactivation process. Instruments can be positioned in three-dimensional space within chambers, allowing fluid to approach external surfaces from multiple angles and directions, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all instrument surfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single-chamber container is used, then the structure is simple, but instruments of varying dimensions cannot be simultaneously processed effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple chambers of different sizes and configurations. Each chamber can accommodate instruments of specific dimensions, allowing simultaneous processing of various instrument types and sizes. The dividing walls with flow pathways maintain structural integrity while enabling fluid circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-chamber container serves multiple functions: it can simultaneously process different types of instruments with varying dimensions, maintain pressure differentials across chambers, and provide multiple flow pathways for comprehensive deactivation. This universal design replaces the need for multiple separate processing stations.
4Productivity
If pressure differential is maintained between chambers, then fluid flow through internal pathways is induced, but the system requires sophisticated pressure control
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into pressure zones using dividing walls with controlled flow pathways. Pressure differentials are maintained between adjacent chambers to induce fluid flow through instrument lumens. The segmentation creates natural pressure gradients that drive flow without requiring complex external pressure control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure differential system is designed to be self-regulating through the container structure itself. The dividing walls with flow pathways and the arrangement of chambers create automatic pressure balance mechanisms that maintain flow without requiring external control systems, making the system self-sufficient.
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
The solution ensures thorough microbial deactivation of instruments by maintaining a pressure differential to drive fluid flow through internal pathways, improving efficiency and versatility in processing different instrument sizes without the need for complex connector arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure differential is maintained between the chambers to induce liquid microbial deactivation fluid to flow through internal pathways of an instrument located therein
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-chamber instrument container for microbially deactivating medical, dental, veterinary and mortuary instruments and articles. A pressure differential between chambers causes fluid flow therebetween, thus flowing fluid through internal passages of instrument extending between the chambers.