Sterilization Container Venting for Faster Surgical Instrument Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization containers have limited venting pass through area to volume ratios, leading to prolonged drying times and weight restrictions, which hinder efficient sterilization of surgical instruments.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization container design with an increased venting pass through area to volume ratio of at least 0.008 inch² per inch³, allowing for improved circulation and evaporation, reducing drying times to less than 30 minutes, and in some configurations to less than 15 minutes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the venting pass through area to volume ratio is increased, then drying time is reduced, but container structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The venting system is divided into multiple separate vent holes distributed across the container surface rather than one large opening. This segmentation maintains structural integrity while providing sufficient total venting area for rapid drying. The patent specifies multiple vent holes with individual dimensions and locations that collectively achieve the required venting capacity without compromising container strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the container are provided with vent holes of specific sizes and distributions tailored to local drying requirements. The venting characteristics are optimized locally at each vent hole position rather than using a uniform design, allowing efficient moisture removal while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Productivity
If the venting pass through area is increased, then evaporation and circulation are improved, but weight capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple small vent holes are distributed throughout the container to provide sufficient total venting area for improved evaporation and circulation. This segmented approach achieves high productivity in moisture removal without requiring large individual openings that would compromise weight capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting function is distributed across the two-dimensional surface of the container rather than concentrated in a single location or dimension. Multiple vent holes positioned at different locations and orientations provide comprehensive vapor escape pathways that enhance evaporation efficiency without limiting the three-dimensional space available for instrument loading.
3Productivity
If the venting pass through area to volume ratio is increased, then sterilization efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The venting system uses multiple simple circular or oval holes that can be easily formed during container manufacturing. Each vent hole is a simple geometric feature that requires minimal additional manufacturing steps, yet collectively they provide the high venting capacity needed for efficient sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent hole dimensions, positions, and quantities are optimized to achieve the target venting area to volume ratio. By adjusting these parameters within standard manufacturing capabilities, the design achieves improved sterilization efficiency without requiring complex manufacturing processes or specialized equipment.
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 enhanced venting design significantly reduces drying time and increases the weight capacity of instruments that can be sterilized efficiently, ensuring rapid and effective sterilization without moisture retention.
Implementation Method 1
steam needs to penetrate the container load uniformly. Accordingly, the container must not be overcrowded, and the lids of bottles and containers must be left ajar.
Implementation Method 2
the filter needs to be removed and inspected by medical professionals to verify the integrity of the sterilizing process was maintained. If it is discovered during inspection that the filter did not remain intact, the sterilizing process has to be repeated with a new filter. Further, if moisture is present in the container, the load would be rejected by the user and sent for reprocessing.
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization container for retaining surgical instruments in a sterilizer comprising a plurality of walls defining an interior volume sized to receive at least one instrument tray, least one of the walls defining a venting pass through area, and a filter occluding the venting passage area, wherein a ratio of the venting pass through area to the interior volume is at least 1 square inch:125 cubic inches.