Sterilization Indicator Sensor with Conductive Polymer Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional chemical indicators for sterilization monitoring rely on subjective visual color changes, which can lead to errors in determining the adequacy of sterilization processes, posing risks due to potential cross-contaminations from reprocessed surgical instruments.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device with a sterilant-responsive switch made of conductive polymer, which changes states upon exposure to sterilants, providing direct pass/fail information and eliminating the need for manual documentation and physical storage, using a circuit and polymeric binder to connect or disconnect based on sterilant exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional chemical indicators with colorimetric changes are used, then sterilization monitoring is achieved, but subjective visual judgment leads to errors in determining sterilization adequacy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization monitoring accuracyVSAvoidcolor change judgment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visual colorimetric system with an electrical circuit system. The conductive polymer switch transforms the chemical sterilization exposure into an electrical state change (connected/disconnected), which is then read by a sensing device. This substitution of visual/mechanical judgment with electrical measurement eliminates subjective human error and provides objective, precise sterilization monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive polymer acts as an intermediary between the sterilant and the circuit. When exposed to sterilant, the conductive polymer changes its electrical properties, which in turn changes the state of the circuit (connected or disconnected). This intermediary transforms the chemical interaction into an electrical signal that can be reliably detected and recorded, removing the need for subjective visual assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If visual evaluation of chemical indicators is used, then sterilization process monitoring is possible, but manual documentation and physical storage are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization monitoring efficiencyVSAvoiddocumentation and storage system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device performs self-documentation by automatically recording the sterilization cycle results through the state of the circuit (connected/disconnected). The sensing device interrogates the sensor and stores the data digitally, eliminating the need for manual documentation and physical storage systems. The system serves itself by automatically capturing and preserving sterilization information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual documentation processes with an automated electronic data capture and storage system. The electrical circuit state is directly translated into digital data that can be stored electronically, eliminating paper records and physical filing systems, thereby reducing complexity while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If conductive polymer switch is used to replace visual indicators, then objective pass/fail reporting is achieved, but additional circuit and sensing components are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization result reporting accuracyVSAvoidsensor device structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the conductive polymer's electrical properties in response to sterilant exposure. The polymer transitions between conductive and non-conductive states, which directly changes the circuit state. This parameter change approach allows the system to achieve reliable pass/fail reporting through a simple binary electrical state, keeping the overall device structure relatively simple despite the added components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 sensor device accurately reports sterilization cycle results, reducing human error and providing digitalized data, ensuring reliable sterilization processes and maintaining sterility.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive polymer having a first state and a second state... wherein the sterilant-responsive switch connects the circuit in the first state and disconnects the circuit in the second state, and wherein the conductive polymer is capable of being converted from being in the first state to being in the second state when in contact with a sterilant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConductive polymer state change: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20230310685A1Sterilization Indicator Sensor with a Sterilant-Responsive Switch

Publication Date: 2023.10.05 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

A sensor device. The sensor device includes a sterilant-responsive switch comprising: a circuit; a conductive polymer having a first state and a second state, and a polymeric binder; and wherein the sterilant-responsive switch connects the circuit in the first state and disconnects the circuit in the second state, and wherein the conductive polymer is capable of being converted from being in the first state to being in the second state when in contact with a sterilant.