Sterilization Module Cartridge Alignment Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization systems face challenges in effectively sterilizing medical devices with diffusion-restricted spaces, such as long and narrow lumens in endoscopes, due to insufficient reach of sterilant vapor and prolonged processing times.
Innovation Solution
The sterilizing cabinet employs a modular design with a sterilization module that uses a combination of vaporizer and condenser to apply sterilant vapor, and includes a cartridge processing assembly with a sensor system to ensure proper cartridge alignment and sterilant extraction, enhancing the reach of sterilant into diffusion-restricted spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sterilization systems use vaporized chemical sterilants or chemical gas, then sterilization can be performed, but the sterilant vapor cannot reach inside long and narrow lumens of medical devices effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization system is divided into multiple independent sterilization chambers, each capable of receiving and sterilizing specific medical devices. This segmentation allows the sterilant to be delivered more effectively to devices with complex geometries and long lumens, as each chamber can be optimized for particular device types.
Solution Approach 2:
A plasma source is introduced as an intermediary between the sterilant vapor and the medical devices. The plasma enhances the sterilization process by activating the sterilant and improving its penetration into diffusion-restricted spaces such as long and narrow lumens, thereby extending the effective reach of the sterilant.
2Reliability
If ethylene oxide sterilization is used, then sterilization can be achieved, but the processing time exceeds 24 hours which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical and chemical parameters of the sterilization process by using plasma activation and controlled vapor delivery. These parameter changes enable effective sterilization to be achieved in significantly reduced time compared to traditional ethylene oxide methods, while maintaining sterilization completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization process employs periodic cycles of plasma activation and vapor delivery. This periodic action enhances the efficiency of sterilization by repeatedly activating the sterilant and delivering it to the devices, achieving complete sterilization faster than continuous traditional methods.
3Ease of operation
If sterilization systems lack proper positioning detection, then device placement may be incorrect, but operator error increases and sterilization effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Optical sensors are integrated into the sterilization chambers to detect the presence and positioning of medical devices and cartridges. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information to the control system, which can then adjust or alert the operator to positioning errors, ensuring consistent and reliable sterilization while maintaining ease of operation through automated verification.
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 solution ensures more effective sterilization of medical devices with complex geometries by improving the distribution and concentration of sterilant vapor, while also reducing processing time and operator error.
Implementation Method 1
a sterilization module that uses a combination of vaporizer and condenser to apply sterilant vapor
Implementation Method 2
a sterilization module that uses a combination of vaporizer and condenser to apply sterilant vapor
Implementation Method 3
Diffusion of the sterilant may be particularly problematic for medical devices that have diffusion-restricted spaces therein
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization system includes a sterilization chamber, a processor, and a sterilization module. The sterilization module includes a frame assembly, an extraction assembly, and a carriage assembly. The extraction assembly is configured to extract a sterilant fluid from a cartridge and transfer the sterilant fluid to the sterilization chamber. The carriage assembly includes a motor, a carriage body, and a translating flag. The carriage body is configured to receive the cartridge. The translating flag is configured to move from a first position to a second position relative to the carriage body in response to the carriage body receiving the cartridge. The sensor is configured to detect movement of the translating flag from the first position to the second position.