Sterilization Plant Extension Module for Modular Capacity Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilization plants for surgical instruments lack the ability to easily expand their capacity and do not have a modular extension system specifically designed for increasing their sterilization capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization plant design that includes an original building with process lines for contaminated, clean, and sterile zones, along with an extension module that can be easily integrated next to the original building, featuring parallel process lines and emergency exits for efficient expansion, allowing for increased capacity and flexible layout adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sterilization plant is designed with fixed capacity, then the initial design is simple, but the plant cannot easily expand its sterilization capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization plant is divided into independent modular units, each containing a complete process line with contaminated zone, clean zone, and sterile zone. These modules can be independently configured and connected through standardized passages, allowing the plant to expand capacity by adding modules without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension module is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can be connected to existing buildings through standardized passages, contains complete sterilization process lines, and can be configured in different arrangements. The module design allows it to function as both an independent sterilization unit and an integratable extension to existing facilities.
2Productivity
If traditional sterilization plants are designed, then they provide basic sterilization function, but they lack modular extension capability for capacity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extension module is pre-configured with complete process lines including contaminated zone, clean zone, and sterile zone before installation. This preliminary configuration allows the module to be integrated into existing facilities as a complete functional unit, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly and ensuring immediate operational capability upon installation.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized passages serve as intermediaries connecting the extension module to the existing sterilization plant. These passages facilitate the transfer of instruments between zones and modules, providing a standardized interface that simplifies integration and allows different modules to communicate and coordinate their operations seamlessly.
3Area of stationary object
If process lines are arranged perpendicular to external walls, then space utilization is conventional, but expansion along external walls is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The process lines are arranged parallel to external walls rather than perpendicular, utilizing the lateral dimension along the building perimeter. This dimensional reorientation allows extension modules to be added sequentially along the external wall, maximizing space utilization and providing flexible expansion options without disrupting the existing facility footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization plant for the sterilization of surgical instruments is provided. The plant includes at least one original building (1) having at least one first process line that extends, at least partly, essentially parallel to a first one (2) of the essentially limiting external walls (2, 3, 4, 5) of the original building (1). The sterilization plant further includes at least one extension module (31) located next to and, at least partly, essentially parallel to the first external wall (2). Also provided are an extension module (31) and a method of increasing the capacity of a sterilization plant.