Sterile Separation Element for Pathogen-Tight Electrical Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sterile barriers in surgical environments fail to provide a safe, hygienic, and cost-effective means for repeatedly adapting and separating sterile and non-sterile areas, particularly in the context of electromechanical connections, leading to contamination risks and limitations in surgical operations.

Innovation Solution

A sterile barrier system comprising a flexible, germ-tight separation element with integrated electromechanical locks and contact pins that allow for germ-tight electrical connections between sterile and non-sterile areas without requiring additional adapters, ensuring safe and hygienic operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional filtration methods (HEPA/ULPA filters) are used to remove particles, then particle removal efficiency is improved, but the filters become clogged and require frequent replacement, increasing maintenance costs and downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle removal efficiencyVSAvoidfilter replacement frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical filtration (HEPA/ULPA filters) with an electrostatic precipitation system that uses electric fields to charge and collect particles. Electret filters create electrostatic forces that attract and capture particles without the mechanical clogging issues of conventional filters, extending service life while maintaining removal efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by introducing electrostatic charge to the filtration process. By charging particles and using electrostatic attraction rather than purely mechanical blocking, the system achieves high particle removal efficiency while preventing filter clogging, thus reducing replacement frequency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If laminar flow hoods with HEPA filters are used to maintain sterile environments, then sterility is improved, but the complexity of the system increases with multiple filters and airflow control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterility maintenanceVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sterility function from the complex laminar flow hood system by using electrostatic precipitation to capture particles directly at the source. This eliminates the need for multiple HEPA filters, airflow control mechanisms, and complex housing structures while maintaining sterile conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary electrostatic charging mechanism between the particle source and the collection surface. This intermediary process of electrostatic precipitation simplifies the overall system by replacing complex mechanical filtration and airflow control with a more straightforward electrostatic field-based approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple HEPA/ULPA filters are used in series to achieve high particle removal, then particle removal efficiency is improved, but the pressure drop across the filters increases, requiring more powerful (and expensive) blowers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle removal efficiencyVSAvoidblower power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical filtration with electrostatic precipitation, which does not create significant pressure drops. The electrostatic field charges particles and collects them without requiring high-velocity airflow through restrictive media, thereby reducing blower power requirements while maintaining high particle removal efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables safe, hygienic, and cost-effective electrical connections between sterile and non-sterile areas, preventing contamination and allowing for flexible use of surgical equipment during operations.

Implementation Method 1

electrostatically-charged filter medium or "electret" which attracts particles to it through electrostatic attraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

corona generator that generates ions that are attracted to the oppositely charged electret

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Data Source

PatentEP4171430B1Electromechanical sterile separation

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 AESCULAP AG

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AI summary

The disclosure relates to a sterile separation element (1) for sterile separation which is intended to be arranged between connectors (10, 11) of a plug connection/electromechanical port (2) and thereby to ensure sterile separation of the connectors (10, 11). The electromechanical port (2) has at least one electrical contact pin (9) which individually penetrates the sterile separation element (1) in such a manner that the sterile separation element (1) directly bears with the full circumference in a pathogen-tight fashion on at least one electrical contact pin (9). The at least one electrical contact pin (9) has two free pin ends which are intended and designed to come into electromechanical or electrically conductive plug contact with mating electrical sockets (12) of at least two leads (5) to be connected.