Surgical Instrument Washing Line With Automated Clean Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for washing surgical instruments are inefficient, require specialized personnel, and cannot automate the transfer between washing machines while maintaining high cleanliness standards, especially when handling large volumes.
Innovation Solution
A washing apparatus with automated movement means and stations that allow containers of surgical instruments to advance along multiple lines, featuring different washing stations, including cold, ultrasonic, and targeted washing, with robotic pick-up and recognition systems to manage and track instruments without dismantling kits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual selection and washing of surgical instruments is performed, then specialized personnel can visually select and wash instruments, but the process is not efficient and productive when washing large numbers of instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where containers are automatically fed onto conveyors, tracked by recognition means, and routed through appropriate washing stations without requiring specialized personnel to manually select and operate each instrument. The automated movement means and control systems manage the entire washing process independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling of instruments is replaced with automated conveyor systems, robotic movement means, and computerized control. The recognition means automatically identify containers and the control system directs their flow through washing stations, eliminating the need for manual visual selection and handling by specialized personnel.
2Extent of automation
If instruments are transferred between washing machines manually, then washing can be performed in stages, but automation of transfer between washing machines is not achieved while maintaining cleanliness standards
Solution Approach 1:
Closed transfer corridors serve as intermediary pathways between washing stations, providing controlled environments that maintain cleanliness standards during automated transfer. These enclosed corridors prevent contamination while enabling automated movement of containers between different washing machines and stations.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual transfer operations are replaced with automated conveyor systems and robotic movement means that operate within controlled, enclosed environments. The automated systems maintain precise control over container positioning and transfer timing, ensuring cleanliness standards are met while achieving full automation of the transfer process.
3Productivity
If multiple washing lines are implemented, then productivity can be increased and differentiated washes can be performed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal components such as standardized containers, interchangeable washing stations, and shared control systems that manage multiple washing lines. This multi-functionality allows the same basic architecture to handle different washing protocols and instrument types across multiple lines, increasing productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing system is divided into modular, independent washing stations and transfer corridors that can operate semi-independently on multiple parallel lines. This segmentation allows each washing station to be optimized for specific washing protocols while sharing common infrastructure elements, thereby increasing total washing capacity while keeping individual station complexity manageable.
4Extent of automation
If containers are automatically moved along advance lines, then transfer between washing stations is automated, but the complexity of the movement and pick-up means increases
Solution Approach 1:
Transfer corridors act as intermediary structures that simplify the movement system by providing dedicated, pre-configured pathways between washing stations. These corridors serve as intermediate buffers and routing channels, reducing the complexity of direct point-to-point transfer mechanisms while enabling automated container movement through the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized, repeatable container designs and standardized transfer mechanisms that can be replicated across multiple washing lines. This standardization allows the same movement and pick-up means to be copied and deployed throughout the system, reducing the need for custom-designed complex mechanisms for each transfer point.
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
Enables rapid, efficient, and reliable washing of surgical instruments with reduced human intervention, allowing for differentiated washes and increased productivity by automating the process and maintaining cleanliness standards.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic washing station (28) configured to perform an ultrasonic wash of the surgical instruments (11)
Data Source
AI summary
Washing apparatus (10) for washing surgical instruments (11) disposed in one or more containers (12), comprising movement means (16) which define at least one first advance line (L1) having an inlet end (E) and an outlet end (U) and are configured to make the containers (12) advance along the first advance line (L1), a plurality of first washing stations (25) disposed along the first advance line (L1), and first pick-up means (70) to pick up at least one container (12) from the first advance line (L1) and position it in a washing station (25).