Sealed Deactivation Chamber for Long-Term Sterile Instrument Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid microbial deactivation systems for medical instruments are limited in their ability to maintain a consistent and prolonged deactivation state after removal from the system, and they often require complex setups for different instrument types.

Innovation Solution

A compact, front-loading apparatus with a movable drawer system that circulates microbial deactivation fluid through a decontamination chamber, allowing for separate rinsing and storage of instruments in a sealed environment, using a two-part dry chemistry system and sterile water filters to prevent microbial growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If instruments are removed from the deactivation system, then they can be accessed and stored, but the deactivation state cannot be maintained consistently over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of deactivation stateVSAvoidconsistency of deactivation state

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible membrane forms a seal between the drawer and deactivation chamber when the drawer is in the retracted position, maintaining the deactivation state. The membrane allows for drawer movement while providing a reliable seal to preserve the deactivated state of instruments over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The deactivation chamber maintains a controlled environment with sterile saline or deactivation solution that prevents microbial growth. This inert-like environment preserves the deactivation state of instruments even after removal from the main processing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Reliability

If the deactivation chamber is made stationary to enable closed-loop circulation, then fluid circulation is effective, but the system becomes complex and less adaptable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid circulation effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drawer assembly is made movable relative to the stationary deactivation chamber, allowing it to transition between retracted (for circulation) and extended (for access) positions. This dynamic design enables effective closed-loop fluid circulation while maintaining system adaptability and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable drawer serves multiple functions: it provides instrument access when extended and enables sealed fluid circulation when retracted. This multi-functionality consolidates operations that would otherwise require separate stationary components, reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the drawer is extended for instrument access, then instruments can be loaded and removed easily, but the seal with the deactivation chamber is broken

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument accessVSAvoidseal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible membrane dynamically adapts to the drawer position, forming a seal when the drawer is retracted and allowing open access when the drawer is extended. This dynamic sealing mechanism maintains reliability during operation while enabling easy instrument access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible membrane provides a reliable seal that can accommodate drawer movement. When the drawer is in the retracted position, the membrane seals against the drawer to maintain the deactivation chamber environment. When extended, the membrane allows access while maintaining system integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 apparatus effectively maintains medical instruments in a microbially deactivated state for extended periods and allows for easy modification to accommodate different instrument types, ensuring efficient deactivation and storage while preventing microbial contamination.

Implementation Method 1

A circulation system is connectable to the recess when the drawer is in the first position to circulate fluids through the recess

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid circulation: Convection

Implementation Method 2

using a two-part dry chemistry system and sterile water filters to prevent microbial growth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

Liquid microbial deactivation systems typically operate by exposing the medical devices and/or instruments to a liquid disinfectant or a deactivation composition, such as peracetic acid or some other strong oxidant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP1991280B1Apparatus for microbially deactivating instruments and devices

Publication Date: 2013.01.09 AMERICAN STERILIZER CO

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AI summary

An apparatus for deactivating medical instruments and devices comprised of a deactivation chamber movable between a loading position and a deactivation position. A circulation system is provided to circulate a deactivating fluid through the deactivation chamber. The circulation system is connectable to the deactivation chamber when the deactivation chamber is in the deactivation position.