Sterile work system

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Solution Overview

Problem

In conventional sterile work systems, it is difficult to detect errors in work procedures since the worker performing the task and the checker verifying it are the same person, making it challenging to identify and correct any wrong procedures.

Innovation Solution

A sterile work system that includes a headset or speaker for voice output of work procedures for both the worker and checker, a monitor for displaying procedures, and a check input device for the checker to confirm procedure execution, allowing for separate verification and error detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate devices are used for different surgical tasks (e.g., separate sterile drape, separate insufflation system, separate camera system), then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and requires multiple access points into the sterile field

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate surgical devices into a single integrated surgical system. The sterile drape includes integrated ports for insufflation, camera, irrigation, and suction functions. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate access points and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining all necessary surgical capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sterile drape is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions simultaneously. It provides barriers against contamination while incorporating integrated ports for insufflation, video imaging, irrigation, and suction. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate devices are used for different surgical tasks, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of components and setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sterile drape integrates multiple functional components into a single pre-assembled unit. The insufflation port, camera port, irrigation/suction ports, and barriers are combined in one device that can be deployed as a complete system, eliminating the need to set up and coordinate multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated sterile drape is prepared in advance with all necessary ports, barriers, and connections pre-positioned. This preliminary integration allows the system to be deployed quickly as a complete unit rather than requiring assembly and coordination of multiple separate devices during surgery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If multiple access points are created into the sterile field for different devices, then each device can access the surgical site, but the risk of contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice accessVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sterile drape consolidates multiple access functions through a single integrated barrier system. All ports for insufflation, camera, irrigation, and suction are incorporated into one sterile drape that maintains a single continuous barrier, reducing the number of separate access points and associated contamination risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sterile drape provides localized access points at specific positions rather than requiring multiple separate barriers. Each port is strategically positioned and integrated into the continuous sterile barrier, allowing targeted access while maintaining overall sterility. The barriers are positioned to protect critical areas while enabling necessary access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If a comprehensive surgical system is designed to include all functions (insufflation, imaging, irrigation, suction), then all surgical needs are met, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional completenessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated sterile drape is designed as a modular system with distinct functional zones and integrated components. The barriers, ports, and connections are segmented into manageable sections that can be manufactured separately and then assembled into the complete integrated system, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sterile drape is designed as a universal platform that incorporates all necessary surgical functions through integrated components. By using standardized port designs and modular barriers, the system achieves multi-functionality through repetition of proven sub-components rather than creating entirely new complex structures for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3075838B1Sterile work system
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 SHIBUYA IND CO LTD
  • EP3075838B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3075838B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3075838B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is constituted such that a sterile work can be applied by a worker 29 to cells or the like through a glove 28 provided in an isolator 15. A headset 31 for work outputting a work procedure of the sterile work in voice is prepared for the worker, and an input device 39 for check is prepared for a checker 36. A management device 12 outputs the work procedure of the sterile work this time in voice to the headset for work. When the fact that the worker has normally performed the sterile work this time is checked by the checker, and when the fact is input from the input device for check to the management device, the management device performs the subsequent work procedure. Since the sterile work by the worker 29 can be monitored by the checker 36, a wrong work can be prevented from being performed.