Stackable Endoscope Tray Locking Structure for Stable Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope trays lack a secure stacking mechanism that prevents lateral movement during transport, leading to potential damage and cross-contamination risks, and are prone to deformation during reprocessing.
Innovation Solution
The development of stackable endoscope trays with mating recesses and projections on the lid and tray surfaces that engage to lock the trays together, reducing lateral movement and enhancing stability during transport, while being compatible with cart washers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If trays are stacked without a locking mechanism, then stacking is simple and easy, but lateral movement occurs during transport causing damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The tray system is divided into separate components (tray body, lid, locking mechanism) that can be independently designed and assembled. The locking mechanism is segmented as a separate functional element that engages with corresponding features on the tray and lid to prevent lateral movement while maintaining overall stacking simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the tray body and lid. This intermediate component engages with corresponding features on both the tray and lid to create a stable, locked configuration that prevents lateral movement during transport while maintaining ease of stacking through simple engagement actions.
2Device complexity
If trays are stacked without a locking mechanism, then device complexity is low, but endoscope damage risk increases due to movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented as a distinct functional component separate from the tray body and lid. This segmentation allows the locking features to be integrated into existing tray structures without requiring a completely new design, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while effectively reducing endoscope damage risk through stable tray stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism serves as an intermediary that connects the tray body and lid in a stable configuration. By introducing this intermediate locking element, the system prevents lateral movement and reduces endoscope damage risk without requiring a complete redesign of the entire tray structure, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If trays are stacked without a locking mechanism, then manufacturing is simpler and cheaper, but tracking and contamination control become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed as a segmented component that can be manufactured separately and assembled into the tray system. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing processes and cost-effective production while providing the stability needed for accurate endoscope tracking and preventing cross-contamination through secure tray stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary that secures the tray configuration, preventing lateral movement and ensuring consistent stacking positions. This stability facilitates accurate endoscope tracking and reduces the risk of cross-contamination between patients, while the modular design maintains manufacturing simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope tray is provided. The tray comprises an interior for storage of an endoscope. The tray has a lid configured to cover the tray. The lid has an exterior surface having a recess and/or projection, and the tray has a bottom exterior surface having a recess and/or projection such that the recess and/or projection of the lid is configured to mate with the recess and/or projection of the bottom exterior surface of the tray. Systems and methods are also provided.