Reusable Ridge-and-Trough Filters for Sterilization Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization containers lack an effective mechanism to permit the ingress and egress of sterilants while preventing contaminants from entering the container, leading to potential contamination of medical devices.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization container with a tortuous path filter that includes varying structural configurations to allow airflow and sterilant flow while increasing resistance to contaminants, featuring a rectangular tortuous path formed by ridges and troughs in the filter structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter system is added to permit sterilant ingress and egress, then sterilization capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is divided into multiple filter structures (first filter structure, second filter structure, third filter structure) that work together to achieve sterilization while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The filter structures create a tortuous path through three-dimensional routing with ridges and troughs, transforming a simple linear filter into a multi-dimensional flow path that enhances sterilization effectiveness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a tortuous path filter with varying structural configurations is implemented, then contaminant resistance is improved, but airflow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different filter structures are positioned at different locations (inlet, outlet, and intermediate positions) with varying configurations to optimize local flow characteristics while maintaining overall contaminant resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The filter structures incorporate curved ridges and troughs that create a tortuous path, using curvature to increase contaminant resistance while managing airflow through optimized geometric transitions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple filter structures with ridges and troughs are added, then contaminant filtration is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filter structures are integrated into a single container assembly, combining the functions of multiple filters into one manufacturable unit that reduces assembly steps and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The filter structures serve multiple functions simultaneously: filtration, structural support, and flow direction control, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying manufacturing
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 tortuous path filter effectively facilitates sterilant ingress and egress while significantly reducing the entry of microorganisms and airborne particulates, maintaining the sterility of medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
increase a flow resistance of contaminants to prevent contamination of the medical devices stored in the container
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization container for sterilizing medical instruments that includes a body defining an interior volume and a lid connected to the body and configured to seal the interior volume between the lid and the body. The lid includes an exterior filter structure including a first plurality of ridges and a first plurality of troughs formed between the first ridges. The container includes a filter assembly connected to the lid and including an interior filter structure including a second plurality of ridges and a second plurality of troughs formed between the second ridges. The first plurality of ridges of the exterior filter structure are interposed between the second plurality of ridges of the interior filter structure. The exterior and interior filter structures are configured to form longitudinal channels positioned between the lid and filter assembly to define a rectangular tortuous filter path that inhibits ingress and egress from the interior volume.