Rotating Double-Walled Medical Instrument Container for Automated Reprocessing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reprocessing devices for dental instruments require complex and costly setups with multiple individual devices for cleaning, care, and sterilization, involving significant personnel effort and lack efficient documentation and protection of instruments during handling.
Innovation Solution
A container designed to be easily opened and closed, allowing instruments to be transferred from a transport state to a maintenance state, enabling seamless integration with reprocessing devices for automated cleaning and sterilization, with a double-walled structure that can be rotated to align windows for access and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individual devices are used for cleaning, care, and sterilization of dental instruments, then comprehensive reprocessing can be achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cleaning, care, and sterilization functions into a single integrated reprocessing device. The device includes a processing chamber that can accommodate multiple container types (for different instrument categories) and provides all necessary processing media (cleaning agents, disinfectants, sterilization steam) within one unified system, eliminating the need for separate individual devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The reprocessing device is designed with universal functionality to handle different types of dental instruments through standardized container interfaces. The device can process various instrument categories (handpieces, surgical instruments, etc.) using the same basic mechanism, making it a multi-functional system that replaces multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling of instruments between devices is required, then device flexibility is maintained, but personnel effort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces automated transfer mechanisms as intermediaries between the instrument loading station and the processing chamber. The system automatically transfers instruments from storage containers through the processing chamber without requiring manual handling, using robotic arms or automated conveyance systems that maintain instrument integrity while eliminating personnel time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The reprocessing system is designed to be self-sufficient with automated instrument transfer and processing capabilities. The system automatically loads instruments, applies processing media, and handles waste disposal without requiring continuous manual intervention, allowing the device to service itself and reducing overall personnel effort.
3Ease of operation
If instruments are handled in open containers, then loading is easy, but protection from external influences is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container system into separable components including a removable container body and a protective lid assembly. This segmentation allows the container to be easily opened for instrument loading while providing a sealed protective environment during transport and processing, with the lid forming a hermetic barrier that prevents contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is equipped with a flexible sealed lid that can be opened for loading and then sealed to create a protective barrier. The lid includes sealing elements that form a hermetic connection with the container body, protecting instruments from external contaminants while allowing easy access during loading operations.
4Device complexity
If individual devices are not networked, then device simplicity is maintained, but data exchange and documentation capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The reprocessing device incorporates automated documentation systems that track and record all processing operations. The system automatically logs instrument identification data, processing parameters, media application details, and completion status, creating a feedback loop that maintains comprehensive records without requiring complex manual documentation procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A receptacle (10) for medical, especially dental instruments (4) is designed for use in a conditioning device (1) which has a chamber (3) for receiving the receptacle (10) and means for disinfecting, sterilizing and/or maintaining the instruments (4). The receptacle (10) can be transferred from a transport state, in which the receptacle (10) is closed, to a maintenance state, in which the receptacle (10) is open, in such a manner that instruments (4) arranged therein can be accessed. The receptacle can be coupled to the conditioning device (1) such that the latter is capable of transferring the receptacle (10) inserted into the chamber optionally from the transport state to the maintenance state and vice versa.