Sterilization Apparatus Locking Mechanism for Cartridge Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sterilization apparatuses face issues with leftover sterilizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, leaking or requiring hazardous disposal, and losing effectiveness over time due to decomposition, leading to inadequate sterilization and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A sterilization apparatus with a locking mechanism that prevents the removal of cartridges with remaining sterilizing agents, utilizing an RF-ID system to track agent levels and expiration, and a disposal process that decomposes the agent to prevent leakage and ensure safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cartridge with remaining sterilizing agent is allowed to be taken out of the sterilization apparatus, then the user can reuse the sterilizing agent, but the sterilizing agent may leak and the user may be exposed to hazardous substances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereusability of sterilizing agentVSAvoiduser exposure to hazardous sterilizing agent

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of sterilizing agent remaining amount and cartridge removal timing. The control unit detects when the sterilizing agent is about to run out and proactively prevents cartridge removal at that critical moment, avoiding leakage before it happens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the sterilizing agent remaining amount and provides feedback to the user through display. The control unit adjusts cartridge removability based on real-time detection of agent levels, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism that prevents hazardous leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the cartridge with small amount of remaining sterilizing agent is disposed of, then the sterilization apparatus is ready for next use, but disposal costs increase due to hazardous substance regulations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness for next sterilization processVSAvoiddisposal cost of hazardous sterilizing agent

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects the remaining sterilizing agent amount in advance and notifies the user before the agent is completely depleted. This allows users to plan cartridge replacement timing optimally, avoiding premature disposal and reducing waste of valuable sterilizing agent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the cartridge is stored for a long period after manufacture, then the sterilizing agent may naturally decompose, but a sufficient sterilization effect cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage period of cartridgeVSAvoidsterilization effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects the manufacture date and calculates the elapsed time in advance. The control unit prevents usage when the sterilizing agent has decomposed beyond acceptable limits, ensuring sterilization reliability before the cartridge is actually used.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors elapsed time since manufacture and provides feedback on cartridge validity. The control unit adjusts cartridge usability based on real-time time detection, preventing use of degraded sterilizing agent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Duration of action of moving object

If the cartridge is used after a certain period since first use, then components promoting decomposition may be introduced, but the sterilizing agent decomposes and sufficient sterilization effect cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage period of cartridgeVSAvoidsterilization effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects the first use date and calculates the elapsed usage time in advance. The control unit prevents usage when the sterilizing agent has decomposed due to prolonged use, ensuring sterilization reliability before the cartridge is actually used.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors elapsed time since first use and provides feedback on cartridge validity. The control unit adjusts cartridge usability based on real-time time detection, preventing use of degraded sterilizing agent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2578240B1Sterilization apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2014.04.30 CANON MARKETING JAPAN INC

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AI summary

There is provided a mechanism of preventing a cartridge in which a sterilizing agent is remaining from being taken out from a sterilization apparatus in order to prevent a user from touching the sterilizing agent. There is provided a sterilization apparatus (100) for sterilizing an object by extracting a sterilizing agent from a cartridge (205) containing the sterilizing agent, the apparatus comprising locking means (202, 203) for locking the cartridge containing the sterilizing agent and mounted on the sterilization apparatus and extracting means (207) for extracting the sterilizing agent from the cartridge, wherein said locking means is configured to maintain the lock on the cartridge until sterilizing agent has been extracted from the cartridge by the extracting means.