Accumulator Apparatus for Sterilization Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decontamination systems for medical devices, particularly those with lumens and complex structures, face challenges in effectively sterilizing delicate components without damaging them, due to the need for high temperatures and pressures, and the complexity of connections required for sterilant fluid delivery.
Innovation Solution
A decontamination system that includes an accumulator apparatus connected to a terminal package, which allows for the delivery and trapping of sterilant fluid based on pressure changes within the device receiving area, eliminating the need for direct connections with motorized pumps and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high temperature and pressure are used for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but delicate medical instruments with rubber and plastic components are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sterilization parameters from high temperature and pressure to low temperature and pressure, using chemical sterilants instead. This allows effective sterilization of delicate instruments with rubber and plastic components without causing damage to their structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sterilization system (steam autoclave using high temperature and pressure) with a chemical sterilization system using liquid or gaseous sterilants. This substitution enables gentle sterilization that preserves delicate instrument components while maintaining sterilization effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If direct connection between terminal package and mechanical pump is used, then sterilant fluid delivery is achieved, but system complexity increases and sterile barrier is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mechanical pump from the sterile field by placing it outside the terminal package. The pump delivers sterilant fluid to the terminal package through a simple connection, eliminating the need for a direct connection between the pump and the sterile interior. This reduces system complexity within the sterile barrier while maintaining sterilant fluid delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (such as a pressure-driven flow system or simple valve arrangement) between the pump and the terminal package. This intermediary allows the pump to deliver sterilant fluid without requiring a direct, complex connection through the sterile barrier, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture
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 system effectively delivers sterilant fluid to the interior and exterior surfaces of medical devices without damaging them, while simplifying the sterilization process by eliminating the need for direct connections through the sterile barrier.
Implementation Method 1
when the pressure within the sterilization chamber increases, the accumulator pump traps sterilant fluid within its chamber
Implementation Method 2
when the pressure within the sterilization chamber decreases, the accumulator pump delivers sterilant fluid to the lumen device
Data Source
AI summary
A decontamination system for a device, such as a lumen device, is provided. The decontamination system includes a terminal package defining a device receiving area. The terminal package includes a fluid inlet through which sterilant fluid can be delivered to the device receiving area. An accumulator apparatus is provided that is configured to switch between trapping sterilant fluid delivered into the device receiving area and delivering sterilant fluid to the device receiving area based on pressure changes in the device receiving area.