Ozone Sterilization System for Remote Medical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sterilization methods, such as autoclaves, are limited by their size, speed, and requirement for routine cleaning, and are not suitable for sterilizing medical instruments in remote or resource-limited settings where access to power and clean water is restricted.
Innovation Solution
A portable sterilization system that utilizes an ozone generator with a cold plasma method to produce ozone within a sterilization chamber, aided by an oxygen concentrator and air mover, controlled by a controller to maintain a threshold ozone level for effective sterilization of medical instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autoclave sterilization is used, then sterilization effectiveness is achieved, but sterilization time is prolonged and device portability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental sterilization parameter from thermal (autoclave at 121-134°C) to chemical (ozone concentration). The ozone generator produces high concentrations of ozone gas (typically 5-10% or 50,000-100,000 ppm) that sterilizes instruments rapidly through oxidation, achieving sterilization in minutes rather than the hours required by autoclaves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal autoclave system with a chemical ozone generation system. Instead of using steam under pressure (mechanical/thermal process), the system uses an ozone generator with corona discharge or UV photolysis to produce ozone gas that penetrates and sterilizes instruments chemically, enabling faster and more portable sterilization.
2Reliability
If autoclave sterilization is used, then sterilization effectiveness is achieved, but device portability and ease of operation in remote settings is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sterilization system into a compact, self-contained unit consisting of an ozone generator, timer, and control circuitry that can be easily transported to remote locations. The system operates independently without requiring external utilities like water supply or electrical outlets, making it suitable for field use in third world countries and remote areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The ozone sterilization system is self-service in that it generates its own sterilizing agent (ozone) on-demand within the sealed chamber, requiring no external water supply for steam generation and no complex utility connections. The timer automatically controls the sterilization cycle, and the system cleans itself through the ozone's oxidative action, eliminating the need for routine manual cleaning of the chamber.
3Reliability
If autoclave sterilization is used, then sterilization effectiveness is achieved, but operational complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ozone sterilization system performs self-cleaning through the oxidative action of ozone on organic matter and biofilms within the chamber. The ozone gas penetrates all surfaces and decomposes contaminants into simple oxides that can be easily removed, eliminating the need for routine manual cleaning and reducing maintenance complexity compared to autoclaves that require water supply, drainage, and regular chamber cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the water supply and drainage systems from the sterilization process, eliminating the need for external water connections. The ozone generation system uses only atmospheric oxygen converted to ozone, requiring no water input or wastewater output, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing maintenance requirements for water-related components.
4Reliability
If autoclave sterilization is used, then sterilization effectiveness is achieved, but productivity is reduced due to overcrowding limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sterilization medium from steam (which requires physical space for circulation and condensation) to ozone gas, which has superior penetrative capabilities. Ozone gas can diffuse through and around instruments more effectively, allowing the chamber to be more densely packed with instruments while still achieving uniform sterilization, thereby increasing productivity without sacrificing effectiveness.
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 system provides a rapid, efficient, and portable means of achieving high sterility assurance levels for medical instruments, overcoming the limitations of traditional sterilization methods by ensuring effective ozone concentration and circulation within a compact and user-friendly design.
Implementation Method 1
The ozone generator may utilize a cold plasma method to generate ozone for sterilizing an object received in the sterilization chamber
Implementation Method 2
The system may optionally include an oxygen concentrator in pneumatic communication with the sterilization chamber that feeds air rich in diatomic oxygen molecules into the sterilization chamber. The diatomic oxygen rich air aids ozone generation through the cold plasma method
Implementation Method 3
The system may also optionally include an air mover arranged to circulate air through the sterilization chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization system including an oxygen generator, an ozone generator, a mixer, a wash chamber, and a sterilization chamber is disclosed. The oxygen generator is configured to generate a flow of oxygen. The ozone generator is in fluid communication with the oxygen generator, and configured to generate a flow of ozone from the flow of oxygen. The mixer is in fluid communication with the ozone generator and configured to receive the flow of ozone and a flow of cleaning fluid, and mix the flow of ozone into the flow of cleaning fluid, resulting in a flow of ozonated cleaning fluid. The wash chamber is in fluid communication with the mixer and configured to receive the flow of ozonated cleaning fluid from the mixer. The sterilization chamber is in fluid communication with the ozone generator and is configure to receive the flow of ozone.