Semipermeable Membrane Sterilization for Temperature-Sensitive Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilization methods for diagnostic ultrasound probes are inefficient, require expensive equipment, and pose health risks due to the use of high-level disinfectants like glutaraldehyde, and existing technologies are not suitable for temperature-sensitive instruments that cannot be heated above 55-60°C, especially in settings without centralized sterilization facilities.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a sterilization chamber with a semipermeable membrane that allows vapor passage while preventing microorganism entry, using a biocide solution nebulized to concentrate hydrogen peroxide within the chamber at atmospheric pressure, eliminating the need for vacuum systems and reducing exposure to harmful residues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-level disinfectants such as liquid glutaraldehyde or OPA are used to disinfect DU probes, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but Occupational Health and Safety risk and patient risk from residues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the biocide from liquid to vapor phase, and conducts the process at atmospheric pressure instead of requiring vacuum conditions. This parameter change allows effective disinfection while eliminating the need for hazardous liquid disinfectants and complex vacuum systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical vacuum system with a membrane-based separation system that operates at atmospheric pressure. The semipermeable membrane allows selective passage of vapor molecules while blocking liquid droplets, eliminating the need for vacuum pumps and complex evacuation procedures
2Productivity
If vacuum systems are used to concentrate peroxide vapour as in Cummins 4744951, then concentration efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the vacuum mechanical system with a membrane-based separation system. The semipermeable membrane provides selective permeability that concentrates the biocide vapor without requiring vacuum pumps, pressure reduction equipment, or complex evacuation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The semipermeable membrane acts as an intermediary that selectively allows biocide vapor molecules to pass through while blocking liquid droplets. This intermediary mechanism achieves concentration and separation without requiring mechanical vacuum systems or pressure changes
3Productivity
If multiple instruments are used to enable procedures during long sterilization cycles, then procedure availability is improved, but cost increases greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses periodic action by cycling the sterilization process through distinct phases: vapor introduction, membrane-based concentration, and sterilization exposure. This efficient periodic process reduces total sterilization time, allowing instruments to be available more frequently
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters from traditional long-duration sterilization to a faster process using atmospheric pressure vapor concentration. The membrane-based system achieves rapid concentration and effective sterilization in a shorter time frame, increasing instrument turnover and availability
4Reliability
If centralized sterilization equipment such as plasma sterilizers are used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but accessibility and cost decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the sterilization system into a portable, self-contained unit that can be deployed at point-of-care. The semipermeable membrane module enables the system to function without connection to centralized infrastructure, allowing placement in remote or resource-limited settings
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical vacuum and plasma generation systems of centralized sterilizers with a simpler atmospheric pressure vapor system using semipermeable membranes. This substitution maintains sterilization effectiveness while dramatically improving portability and accessibility
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
This method effectively sterilizes or disinfects temperature-sensitive medical instruments without the need for high temperatures or vacuum systems, reducing costs and health risks, and achieves high levels of disinfection or sterilization efficiently, even in settings without specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-chamber having a wall or part thereof which comprises a semipermeable fabric or membrane selected to allow vapour to pass from inside to outside of the pre-chamber while providing a barrier against entry of micro-organisms and against exit of nebulant particles
Implementation Method 2
admitting a biocide solution comprising a biocide dissolved in a solvent as a nebulant to a pre-chamber
Implementation Method 3
concentrating the biocide in the pre-chamber by removal of solvent at or above atmospheric pressure, to form a concentrated biocide
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for disinfecting or sterilizing an article comprising enclosing the article or article part inside a container having a wall of which at least a part is a semipermeable fabric or membrane and introducing an amount of vaporizable biocide, preferably hydrogen peroxide in water, to the interior of said container in solution, vapour, liquid or preferably nebulant form. The semipermeable fabric or membrane is selected to allow the biocide to pass from inside to outside of the container as a vapour at atmospheric pressure and to provide a barrier against entry of micro-organisms. The biocide is allowed to exit the container through said membrane while at or above atmospheric pressure, a fluid eg air is directed to flow adjacent the outside of the membrane to expedite vapour removal from the interior side. The article is exposed to the biocide for a time sufficient to disinfect or sterilize the article.