Instrument Sterilization Container Actuation Constraint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reusable microsurgical instruments, particularly those with polymer components, are prone to damage during steam sterilization in medical autoclaves due to undesirable material changes, leading to functional failures.

Innovation Solution

An instrument sterilization container is designed with a base, lid, retention mechanisms, and support mechanisms that prevent the actuation structure of instrument handles from extending or expanding during sterilization, using materials resistant to high temperatures and pressures, ensuring the instruments remain functional post-sterilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reusable microsurgical instruments with polymer components are steam sterilized in a medical autoclave, then sterilization is achieved, but the polymer components experience undesirable material changes and expansion causing functional failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument functionalityVSAvoidthermal expansion damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument is divided into separate components that can be sterilized independently. The handle with polymer actuation structures is separated from the surgical tip, allowing differential sterilization approaches for each component based on material sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sterilization barrier or protective coating is introduced as an intermediary between the polymer components and the steam sterilization environment. This intermediary layer protects the polymer from direct thermal exposure while still allowing sterilization to occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the actuation structure is allowed to extend during sterilization, then sterilization completeness is improved, but the instrument dimensions change and functionality is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization completenessVSAvoidactuation structure dimension

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation structure is pre-loaded or pre-positioned in a controlled state before sterilization. Mechanical constraints or protective fixtures are applied beforehand to prevent extension during the sterilization process, counteracting the thermal expansion tendency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument is prepared with protective measures in advance of sterilization. Support mechanisms are positioned and retention mechanisms are engaged before the sterilization cycle begins, ensuring dimensional stability is maintained throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If polymer components are exposed to high temperature steam, then sterilization is effective, but the material properties change undesirably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidpolymer material property

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sterilization parameters are modified to be less severe for polymer-containing instruments. Lower temperature sterilization cycles or extended exposure times at reduced temperatures are used instead of standard high-temperature steam sterilization, changing the thermal parameters to protect polymer integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument incorporates heat-resistant composite materials or coatings on polymer components. These composite structures provide thermal protection to the polymer actuation structures while maintaining the necessary functional properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 container effectively protects microsurgical instruments from damage during sterilization, maintaining their functionality by preventing expansion and deformation, thus ensuring they are ready for subsequent use.

Implementation Method 1

the actuation structure of the instrument handle may expand slightly during sterilization in a medical autoclave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS9474812B2Instrument sterilization container

Publication Date: 2016.10.25 KATALYST SURGICAL LLC

AI summary

An instrument sterilization container may include a base, a lid, a retention mechanism extending out from a base floor of the base, a first support mechanism extending out from a lid top of the lid, and a second support mechanism extending out from the base floor. A reusable instrument handle may be disposed between the first support mechanism, the second support mechanism, the retention mechanism, and a portion of the base. The portion of the base and the retention mechanism may be configured to prevent an actuation structure of the reusable instrument handle from extending during a sterilization of the reusable instrument handle in a medical autoclave. The first support mechanism and the second support mechanism may be configured to prevent the actuation structure from expanding during a sterilization of the reusable instrument handle in a medical autoclave.