Resonant Circuit Moisture Sensor for Sterilization Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sterilization processes face challenges in detecting moisture within sterilized articles, leading to 'wet packs' that can contaminate instruments and require reprocessing, which is time-consuming and risky, especially in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a moisture sensor with a resonant circuit and a moisture-absorbing layer that can detect moisture in both liquid and vapor states during sterilization, allowing for remote sensing and automated detection of dryness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional sterilization monitoring methods are used, then the sterilization process can be completed, but moisture within the sterilized article cannot be detected, leading to wet packs that require reprocessing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization reliabilityVSAvoidmoisture detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an electronic resonant circuit-based sensing system. The resonant circuit detects moisture through changes in electrical properties (capacitance, resistance, or inductance) when moisture absorbs into the sensing material, enabling non-contact, automated detection of internal moisture without requiring visual inspection or mechanical probing of the sterilized article.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a moisture-absorbing layer as an intermediary substance between the sterilized article and the resonant circuit sensor. This layer absorbs moisture from the article and transfers the moisture presence to the resonant circuit, which then detects the change in electrical characteristics. The moisture-absorbing layer acts as a mediator that converts invisible moisture into detectable electrical signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If reprocessing is performed for wet packs, then contamination is prevented, but productivity decreases and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidsterilization productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by detecting moisture conditions during or immediately after the sterilization process itself, rather than waiting until the article is opened for use. The resonant circuit sensor provides real-time monitoring that identifies wet packs before they leave the sterilization environment, allowing corrective action to be taken promptly without delaying the overall sterilization workflow or requiring reprocessing of already-sterilized articles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes feedback by continuously monitoring moisture levels through the resonant circuit and using this information to control the sterilization process. When moisture is detected, the system can automatically adjust drying parameters, extend the sterilization cycle, or alert operators to take corrective action. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that wet packs are identified and addressed without interrupting productivity or requiring reprocessing of compliant articles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If flash sterilization is used for immediate use, then time is saved, but patient safety is compromised due to potential contamination from wet packs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization timeVSAvoidpatient safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing rapid moisture detection immediately after the flash sterilization cycle using the resonant circuit sensor. This allows the system to verify that the article is truly dry and safe for immediate use, or to identify wet packs that would compromise patient safety before they are opened in the operating room. The quick detection capability maintains the speed advantage of flash sterilization while ensuring safety through immediate verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution enables reliable detection of moisture conditions, preventing contamination and reducing the need for reprocessing by ensuring instruments are properly dried, thus enhancing sterilization efficiency and patient safety.

Implementation Method 1

a moisture sensor having a moisture absorbing layer and a resonant circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

interrogating the resonant circuit, wherein the interrogating is affected by an amount of moisture present in the moisture absorbing layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS11079340B2Methods of monitoring wetness utilizing a resonant circuit

Publication Date: 2021.08.03 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

Methods that include: subjecting an article including a moisture sensor to steam sterilization in a steam sterilizer to produce a sterilized article, the moisture sensor having a moisture absorbing layer and a resonant circuit; subjecting the sterilized article to drying; and interrogating the resonant circuit, wherein the interrogation is affected by an amount of water present in the moisture absorbing layer.