Portable Ozone Sterilizer Using Cold Plasma for Field Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sterilization methods, such as autoclaves, are limited by their need for steam, space, and routine cleaning, making them inefficient and impractical for sterilizing medical instruments in non-hospital or resource-constrained settings.
Innovation Solution
A portable ozone sterilization system that uses a cold plasma method to generate ozone within a sterilization chamber, aided by an oxygen concentrator and air mover, to achieve a high ozone level for effective sterilization, with a controller managing the process to maintain optimal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autoclave sterilization is used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate due to steam requirements and space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical steam-based autoclave system with an ozone-based sterilization system that uses electrical discharge to generate ozone gas. This substitution eliminates the need for steam generation equipment, water supplies, and heavy autoclave structures, enabling portable sterilization devices that can be deployed in field conditions while maintaining sterilization effectiveness through ozone's potent oxidizing properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental sterilization parameter from thermal (steam heat) to chemical (ozone concentration). By controlling ozone generation through electrical discharge parameters and maintaining specific ozone concentration levels in the treatment chamber, the system achieves sterilization without requiring the high temperatures and pressures of autoclaves, thereby enabling portability and flexible operation in various environments
2Reliability
If autoclave sterilization is used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to slow processing speed and limited capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ozone, a strong oxidant, to accelerate the sterilization process. Ozone's high oxidation potential allows it to rapidly destroy microorganisms through oxidation of cellular components, achieving sterilization in significantly shorter times compared to autoclave methods. This accelerated oxidation process enables higher throughput and improved productivity while maintaining sterilization effectiveness
3Reliability
If autoclave sterilization is used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to routine cleaning and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service sterilization approach where the ozone generation system automatically produces sterilizing conditions without requiring manual intervention for steam generation, chamber pressurization, or post-cycle drying. The system self-regulates ozone concentration and exposure time, eliminating complex control mechanisms and routine maintenance tasks associated with autoclaves, thereby reducing device complexity and operational burden
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 system provides a rapid, efficient, and portable means of achieving high sterility levels, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods by using ozone to sterilize medical instruments in remote or resource-scarce environments.
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
The invention relates to a sterilizers and methods of sterilization of an instrument. The sterilizer includes an ozone generator, an air mover, an oxygen concentrator, and a controller. The ozone generator, which is housed by the sterilization chamber, generates at least one plasma field. The air mover circulates air through the sterilization chamber. The oxygen concentrator delivers oxygen-concentrated air to the sterilization chamber. The controller communicates with the ozone generator, the air mover, and the oxygen concentrator. The sterilizer may also include a battery to power the components of the sterilizer. A portable case may house the sterilizer.