Sterilization Container with Graphic Labeling and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing and sterilizing surgical instruments lack a systematic and traceable approach for sanitizing, maintenance, and transportation, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential contamination during storage and use in operating rooms.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the arrangement of sterilized surgical instruments in closed, autoclave-sterilized containers with identification labels and graphic reproductions, followed by a cyclical process of disinfection, washing, and thermo-chemical disinfection, using specialized trolleys and environments to ensure airtight and controlled sterilization and storage, enabling traceability and optimal anti-bacterial protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical instruments are stored in open containers or without systematic management, then access and usage is simple, but sterility cannot be maintained and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is segmented into multiple functional components: a base container for holding instruments, a removable lid with sealing functionality, and integrated labeling areas. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (storage, sealing, identification) while maintaining overall system sterility and traceability
2Loss of information
If traditional sterilization methods are used without traceability systems, then the sterilization process is simple, but tracking and verification of sterilized instruments becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container includes a labeling system that creates visual copies or representations of sterilization information directly on the container surface. This allows traceability information to be captured and displayed without requiring complex electronic tracking systems, maintaining simplicity while ensuring information retention
3Object-affected harmful factors
If instruments are transported without specialized containers, then transportation is simpler, but contamination risks increase during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs a sealing mechanism that creates an airtight barrier using flexible sealing elements between the lid and base. This flexible seal prevents contamination during transport while maintaining ease of opening and closing for instrument access
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
This method ensures the efficient and traceable management of surgical instruments, maintaining sterility and reducing contamination risks through a systematic and controlled process, optimizing storage and transportation while ensuring the instruments are ready for use and properly maintained.
Implementation Method 1
sterilization in autoclave
Implementation Method 2
thermo-chemical disinfection
Implementation Method 3
closed, autoclave-sterilized containers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Container (4) for a set of sterilized surgical instruments (2) suitable for the execution of each particular surgery, comprising a sterilization cover (5) having passages (12) for the sterilization steam, characterized in that it comprises a second means of coverage (9) that is blocked onto said container for closing said container (4). The container further may comprise a plastic film (15) that shrouds the container for airtight sealing of the closed container, said plastic film is a thermo-shrink film; a graphic reproduction (3) of the set of surgical instruments contained therein; a support rack (18) on which said instruments (2) are supported.