Flow-Through Steam Core for Uniform Instrument Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for deactivating medical, dental, and pharmaceutical instruments often require liquid disinfectants, which are not suitable for all devices, and steam deactivation systems can damage sensitive instruments due to high temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A handheld steamer with a core and spacers that delivers dry vapor steam along the length of a device, allowing for adjustable steam temperature and uniform distribution without damaging the instrument, eliminating the need for liquids and enhancing decontamination efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If steam deactivation system is used, then decontamination speed and cost-effectiveness are improved, but instrument damage occurs due to high temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The core is designed with a middle area that acts as a baffle, creating non-uniform hole distribution where the middle section has reduced or no holes compared to the ends. This local variation in structure directs steam flow to concentrate on the device surface while the baffle blocks excessive heat from penetrating deeper into the device, achieving localized steam application that sanitizes surfaces without damaging internal components
Solution Approach 2:
The core with its specific hole pattern and baffle structure serves as an intermediary between the steam source and the device. It transforms the high-temperature steam into a controlled flow that delivers sanitization effectiveness while filtering out excessive heat that would cause damage, protecting the device from direct high-temperature exposure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If liquid disinfectant is used, then instrument damage is avoided, but decontamination process becomes slower and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical parameters of steam application by controlling pressure and flow rate through the core's hole distribution. By adjusting steam pressure and the angle/orientation of holes, the system optimizes steam delivery to achieve effective sanitization at lower temperatures, making steam a viable alternative to liquid disinfectants for heat-sensitive devices
3Reliability
If steam is applied to sanitize device surface, then decontamination effectiveness is improved, but uniform steam distribution is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The core features asymmetric hole distribution with different patterns at the ends versus the middle section. The ends have holes oriented at specific angles to direct steam flow, while the middle area acts as a baffle with reduced hole density. This asymmetric design creates a controlled steam flow pattern that ensures uniform distribution across the device surface while maintaining decontamination effectiveness
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 steamer provides quicker, cheaper, and more effective sanitization and decontamination of devices, particularly for sensitive instruments like endoscopes, by ensuring uniform steam distribution and avoiding damage from high temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
A core having a first end and a second opposite end and a plurality of holes for receiving the steam into an interior of the core... The holes in the core may be oriented at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the core
Implementation Method 2
steam sufficient to kill the most dangerous pathogens such as hepatitis... the steam temperature can be adjusted by adjusting the steam pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A hand held steamer having a housing with an opening for injecting steam into an interior of the housing. A core is positioned in the interior of the housing. The core has holes for receiving the steam into an interior of the core. Spacers center the core within the interior of the housing, thereby forming a chamber in the interior of the housing around an exterior of the core. A device in need of sanitization can be placed in the interior of the core. A source of dry vapor steam is attached to the opening in the housing and the steam is injected into the interior of the housing, around the exterior of the core, and into the interior of the core. The steam sanitizes the surface of the device without damaging the rest of the device, as a result of uniform distribution of steam around the device.