Medical Probe Conditioning Device with Automated Disinfection Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for ensuring the hygiene and traceability of medical probes rely on manual operations, which are prone to errors and falsifications, making it uncertain whether a probe has been properly disinfected before use, thus risking nosocomial infections.
Innovation Solution
A packaging device and monitoring system that automatically receives and processes identification, disinfection, and usage information, locking the enclosure only if the probe has been disinfected, and communicating this information to prevent unauthorized use, eliminating human intervention and ensuring hygiene standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operations are used to record disinfection information, then the process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the reliability of traceability is compromised due to human errors and potential falsification
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the packaging device automatically receives disinfection information from the processing system, verifies it, and locks the enclosure without human intervention. This eliminates manual recording operations and ensures reliable traceability through automated data capture and verification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the packaging device receives disinfection status information from the processing system, verifies it against requirements, and automatically adjusts the locking state accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that only properly disinfected probes can be enclosed and used.
2Productivity
If automated information processing is implemented, then the productivity and accuracy of disinfection verification improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging device is merged with the information processing system, allowing the packaging device to directly receive, verify, and process disinfection information. This integration combines the physical packaging function with digital verification capabilities in a single coordinated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging device performs multiple functions: it physically encloses the probe, receives disinfection information from the processing system, verifies the information, and controls the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality consolidates several operations into a single device, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If the enclosure is locked automatically based on disinfection status, then the hygiene safety is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced due to automated control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical locking operation is replaced with an automated control system that receives disinfection information electronically and automatically actuates the locking mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to manually verify and lock the enclosure, improving hygiene safety through automated verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The information processing system acts as an intermediary between the disinfection process and the packaging device. It transmits disinfection status information to the packaging device, which then automatically controls the locking mechanism based on this information, removing the need for direct human intervention in the verification process.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device defining an inner housing (5) for receiving at least a portion (2) of the medical apparatus (3), said device including a locking means (7) for closing the housing (5), and said device including a receiving means (9) for identification information (Ii) from the medical apparatus (2) and receiving means for disinfection (ld) and use information from at least one information processing system (D), wherein said locking means (7) are adapted to be activated if the receiving means receives information indicating that the identified medical apparatus (3) to be received has been disinfected, and to prevent any locking if the receiving means receives information indicating that the medical apparatus (3) has not been disinfected.