Ultrasonic Cleaning Pouch With Buoyant Float for Instrument Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic cleaning support devices do not effectively support surgical and non-surgical tools, parts, and instruments for pre-soak and ultrasonic cleaning in a safe, convenient, and economical manner using water with radio waves.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic cleaning pouch system comprising a rectangular sheet with vertically oriented side edges and horizontally oriented end edges, stitched to form a pouch with a sliding fastener and a buoyant float for easy retrieval, allowing for immersion in a fluid medium and minimizing ultrasonic wave interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ultrasonic cleaning support devices are used, then cleaning function is provided, but device complexity and lack of safety features increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible pouch made of mesh material that can be easily inserted into ultrasonic cleaning tanks. The pouch contains instruments securely while allowing ultrasonic waves to pass through, providing a simple yet effective solution that reduces structural complexity while maintaining safety and cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is divided into separate functional components: the pouch for instrument containment, the float for retrieval assistance, and the ultrasonic tank. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If instruments are placed in traditional cleaning containers, then cleaning is enabled, but risk of instrument loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a float attached to the pouch that provides buoyancy to keep the pouch floating on the surface of the cleaning fluid. This counteracts the weight of the pouch and instruments, making retrieval easy by simply lifting the float, while ensuring instruments remain securely contained during cleaning.
3Reliability
If rigid cleaning containers are used, then instrument support is provided, but ultrasonic wave interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch is made of flexible mesh material that allows ultrasonic waves to pass through efficiently, minimizing wave interference. The flexible nature of the pouch compared to rigid containers ensures better transmission of ultrasonic energy to the instruments while maintaining secure containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch material is designed with a porous mesh structure that permits ultrasonic waves to penetrate through while still providing containment for instruments. This porous design reduces the harmful interference of ultrasonic waves that occurs with solid rigid containers.
4Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive cleaning features are included, then cleaning functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains instruments securely, allows ultrasonic waves to pass through, provides buoyancy when combined with the float, and is easy to insert and remove from cleaning tanks. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive cleaning capabilities without proportionally increasing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch is designed as a disposable or reusable inexpensive item that can be easily manufactured at low cost. The simple mesh construction and lack of complex mechanisms allow for economical production while providing adequate cleaning functionality for surgical instruments.
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 pouch system provides a safe, convenient, and economical means for cleaning instruments, reducing wave interference, preventing instrument loss, and facilitating easy transfer and categorization, while being lightweight and durable.
Implementation Method 1
cleaning instruments through immersion in a fluid medium with ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 2
A float is provided. The float is fabricated of a buoyant material
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet of material in a generally rectangular configuration has first and second side edges and first and second end edges. The first and second end edges define an opening. A fold between the end edges forms panels with a chamber formed between the panels. Coupling components couple the panels of the sheet to form a pouch. A fastener separably couples the first and second end edges.