Robotic Instrument Sterilization and Packaging With Visual Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sterilizing and packaging dental and surgical instruments are labor-intensive, prone to human error, and expose personnel to potential pathogens, with risks of imperfect disinfection and inefficient use of autoclave space.
Innovation Solution
An automated equipment system featuring a robotic arm, microprocessor control units, and a self-propelled vehicle for sterilization and packaging, which includes a device for recognizing and processing dental and surgical instruments, a cleaning and drying tank, and a packaging machine to handle instruments in a fully automated manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sterilization and packaging methods are used, then personnel can perform the tasks, but human error and exposure to pathogens occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the robotic arm autonomously performs instrument retrieval, sterilization monitoring, and packaging without human intervention. The microprocessor control unit coordinates these operations automatically, eliminating the need for personnel to handle contaminated instruments while maintaining reliable sterilization processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm, controlled by a microprocessor, substitutes human hands for retrieving and positioning instruments. The packaging machine automatically seals containers, replacing manual packaging operations. This mechanical substitution eliminates pathogen exposure while ensuring consistent sterilization and packaging quality.
2Productivity
If multiple instruments are packaged together to optimize autoclave use, then autoclave efficiency improves, but packing errors require re-sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through the microprocessor control unit that monitors and tracks each instrument's sterilization status and packaging assignment. The control unit receives input from sensors detecting instrument presence and sterilization cycle completion, then automatically adjusts packaging operations accordingly. This feedback loop prevents packaging errors by ensuring only properly sterilized instruments are grouped together, eliminating the need for re-sterilization while maximizing autoclave efficiency.
3Productivity
If a specialized assistant performs sterilization tasks full-time, then instruments are processed, but repetitive risky operations expose the worker to health hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization system performs all operations autonomously without requiring a specialized assistant. The robotic arm automatically retrieves instruments from storage, places them in sterilization containers, monitors the sterilization process, and packages the finished instruments. This self-service automation maintains high instrument processing volume while completely eliminating worker exposure to pathogen-contaminated tools and repetitive manual tasks.
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 system reduces the risk of human error, ensures precise and efficient sterilization and packaging, optimizes autoclave use, and enhances safety by eliminating human presence in hazardous environments, while providing real-time monitoring and inventory control.
Implementation Method 1
a robotic arm with at least one gripper, configured to grasp, move and release dental and / or surgical instruments
Implementation Method 2
applying ultrasounds to stir the water in order to wash the 'tools' by removing residues of biological material
Implementation Method 3
visually recognizing dental and / or surgical instruments
Implementation Method 4
a packaging machine
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure illustrates an equipment for sterilizing and packaging dental and / or surgical instruments that allows the task of sterilization and packaging of dental and / or surgical tools to be performed in an automated manner. The equipment includes in particular a robotic arm with at least one gripper, configured to grasp, move and release dental and / or surgical instruments; at least one device for washing, cleaning and disinfecting, at least one device for sterilizing dental and / or surgical instruments; a container for recognizing dental and / or surgical instruments; a packaging machine; a motorized trolley that may be moved linearly forward / backward, on which a base of the robotic arm is fixed; at least one microprocessor control unit, configured to perform at least one of the following operations: commanding forward / backward movements of the motorized trolley, commanding movements of the robotic arm, recognizing the identification code on dental and / or surgical instruments, operating the plurality of mobile suction devices.