Reprocessing Tray With Color-Coded Fixation Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable medical instruments, particularly complex ones like flexible endoscopes, require precise positioning and sequencing during reprocessing, which is time-consuming and error-prone for inexperienced operators.
Innovation Solution
Reprocessing trays equipped with fixation elements featuring visual indicia, such as colors and numerical markings, and sensors with light-emitting devices to guide correct placement, along with a reprocessing machine capable of wireless charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual indicia are added to fixation elements to indicate placement sequence and portions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation elements are equipped with visual indicia including color coding to indicate the sequence in which medical instrument portions should be placed. Different colors represent different placement steps, making the complex sequencing process visually intuitive and easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual indicia serve as an intermediary communication medium between the reprocessing tray system and the operator. The visual cues (colors, lights, markings) mediate the interaction by providing clear guidance without requiring complex training or memory, thus improving ease of operation while adding minimal complexity.
2Reliability
If visual indicia and sensors are integrated into fixation elements to guide correct placement, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are integrated into the fixation elements to detect when a medical instrument portion has been correctly placed. The sensors provide feedback signals (visual or electronic) to confirm correct placement, thereby improving reliability by ensuring accurate positioning while the automated feedback reduces the need for complex manual verification procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation elements with integrated sensors and visual indicia perform self-verification of correct placement. The system automatically detects and confirms proper instrument positioning without requiring external verification, improving reliability while the self-service nature minimizes additional operational complexity.
3Ease of operation
If light emitting devices and sensors are added to fixation elements for guidance and detection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
Light emitting devices in the fixation elements operate periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The lights activate only when needed to guide placement or when sensors detect relevant events, providing necessary visual guidance while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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
Facilitates quicker and more accurate placement of medical instruments, reducing errors and time required for reprocessing while ensuring effective disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
The visual indicia may include light emitting devices. The light emitting devices may comprise incandescent lamps, light emitting diodes (LED), laser diodes (LD), or any other suitable light source.
Implementation Method 2
Sensors may be one or more of tactile sensors, like microswitches, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, or any other suitable sensors.
Implementation Method 3
Sensors may be one or more of tactile sensors, like microswitches, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, or any other suitable sensors.
Implementation Method 4
Sensors may be one or more of tactile sensors, like microswitches, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, or any other suitable sensors.
Implementation Method 5
Sensors may be one or more of tactile sensors, like microswitches, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, or any other suitable sensors.
Implementation Method 6
The fixation elements may further comprise an energy storage. The energy storage may provide energy for the light emitting devices, so that the light emitting devices may be turned on or off.
Data Source
AI summary
A reprocessing tray for holding a medical instrument. The reprocessing tray including a tray body; and a plurality of fixation elements fixed to a surface of the tray body. Wherein each of the plurality of fixation elements include a visual indicia. The visual indicia indicating one or more of the following: a sequence, in which the medical instrument is to be brought into contact with each of the plurality of fixation elements, and a portion of the medical instrument, which is to be brought into contact with each of the plurality of fixation elements.