Ozone Sterilization Container with UV-Transparent Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device sterilization methods are cumbersome, expensive, and inefficient, particularly for small loads, requiring specialized technicians and equipment, and offer inadequate protection against contamination and shock during storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
An ozone-based sterilization method using a closable airtight container with a Vacuum Ultraviolet Light source to generate ozone for sterilization, which can be reused and allows for rapid operation without the need for continuous technician attendance, combined with a UV-transparent window for efficient ozone generation and destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional steam or dry heat sterilization reactors are used, then sterilization effectiveness is ensured, but device complexity and operational cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the sterilization parameter from thermal (steam/dry heat) to photonic (vacuum UV irradiation). The container is irradiated with vacuum UV light at wavelengths 100-200nm, which directly photodissociates molecular bonds in microorganisms without requiring complex thermal sterilization reactors, thereby simplifying equipment while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/thermal sterilization system with an optical field-based system. Instead of using steam generators, heating elements, and complex control systems, the invention uses vacuum UV light sources to achieve sterilization through photodissociation, significantly reducing device complexity.
2Productivity
If large sterilization reactors are used for hospital-wide sterilization, then batch sterilization capability is improved, but accessibility and response time for individual device sterilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the sterilization function from the storage function by using a container that can be sterilized individually. Each container becomes an independent sterilization unit that can be processed separately, allowing immediate sterilization of single devices without waiting for batch completion in large reactors.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to be self-sterilizable by placing it in a vacuum UV irradiation chamber. The container itself receives the sterilization treatment without requiring removal from its packaging, enabling autonomous sterilization of individual units when needed.
3Reliability
If multiple-layer crepe paper packaging is used for sterilized devices, then protection against recontamination is provided, but protection against shocks and hazards is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite packaging system combining a rigid outer container shell with inner sterile barriers. The outer shell provides mechanical strength and shock protection, while the inner packaging layers maintain sterility, creating a multi-functional protective system that addresses both protection needs simultaneously.
4Reliability
If crepe paper bags are used for packaging sterilized devices, then sterilization compatibility is maintained, but protection during storage and transportation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container serves multiple functions: it acts as the sterilization chamber, provides mechanical protection during storage and transport, and maintains the sterile barrier. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate packaging layers while providing comprehensive protection against both contamination and physical hazards.
5Manufacturing precision
If sterilization reactors require technician attendance and predefined scheduling, then sterilization quality control is improved, but operational efficiency and responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is designed for autonomous sterilization without requiring technician intervention. The container can be placed in the vacuum UV irradiation chamber, automatically irradiated for the required time, and then removed. The container itself maintains sterility without requiring monitored cooling or controlled unloading procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum UV sterilization process rapidly completes sterilization in minutes rather than requiring prolonged exposure times. The container can be immediately used after sterilization without extended cooling or waiting periods, enabling rapid response to sterilization needs.
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
This method reduces sterilization costs, provides effective protection against contamination, and allows for the storage and transportation of sterilized medical devices in a single container, enabling efficient and rapid access to sterilized instruments while minimizing the risk of recontamination.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating a volume inside said container with Vacuum Ultraviolet Light through said window in order to generate ozone and/or ozonites within said volume
Implementation Method 2
irradiating said volume inside said container with UV-C or Middle UV Light through said window in order to destroy residual ozone and/or ozonites
Data Source
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AI summary
Method of sterilization of a medical device, in particular surgical instrument, placed in a closable airtight container (1), comprising the steps of: placing such medical device inside a closable airtight container (S1); closing the container (S2); placing a Vacuum Ultraviolet Light source (34) against a window (9) of said container (S3), wherein such window (9) is transparent to Vacuum Ultraviolet light and to UVC and/or Middle Ultraviolet light; irradiating a volume inside such closed container (36) with Vacuum Ultraviolet Light through such window (9) in order to generate ozone and/or ozonites within such volume (S4); removing the Vacuum Ultraviolet Light source (S5); and waiting for an incubation time (S6).