Universal Sterilizing Tool Contoured Applicator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sterilizing medical connection sites, such as luer connections and needle access ports, are inadequate due to the limitations of small, flimsy antiseptic towelettes that fail to effectively clean complex surfaces, leading to a higher risk of patient infection.
Innovation Solution
A contoured, pre-moistened sterilizing element that is shaped to fit various medical device surfaces, allowing for effective wiping and application of an anti-pathogenic agent to both inner and outer surfaces, including a housing that can be easily opened and used with one hand, ensuring thorough sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a small folded antiseptic towelette is used to sterilize medical connection sites, then the sterilizing process can be performed portably, but the towelette cannot adequately contact and clean complex surfaces such as cracks, crevices, grooves, threads, lumens, and septums
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilizing device is segmented into a housing containing a reservoir and a separate applicator tip that can be inserted into complex surfaces. The applicator delivers antiseptic solution directly into cracks, crevices, grooves, threads, lumens, and septums, while the housing remains external and portable.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator tip is nested within the housing when not in use. The reservoir is contained within the housing, and the applicator can be inserted into the housing for storage. This nested structure maintains portability while enabling access to complex surfaces through the extendable applicator.
2Reliability
If a contoured sterilizing element is designed to fit various medical device surfaces, then thorough sterilization of complex surfaces is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contoured applicator tip is designed with a universal shape that can adapt to multiple types of medical device surfaces including Luer connectors, needleless connectors, catheter hubs, and other complex geometries. This single contoured design performs multiple sterilization functions without requiring separate specialized tools for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator tip utilizes capillary action and surface tension parameters to draw antiseptic solution through its porous structure, enabling the solution to automatically distribute into complex surfaces without requiring additional mechanical complexity or active pumping mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the sterilizing element is contained in a flexible tubular or rectangular housing, then ease of opening and single-hand operation is improved, but the housing design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a flexible tubular or rectangular curved structure that can be easily compressed and manipulated by one hand. The curved geometry allows the housing to flex open when squeezed, enabling single-handed operation without requiring complex latches or openings mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing transitions from a closed static state to an open dynamic state when compressed by the user's hand. This dynamic behavior allows the housing to automatically open for access to the applicator and close automatically when released, maintaining sterility while enabling easy single-handed operation.
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 contoured sterilizing element ensures thorough and efficient sterilization of medical connection sites, reducing the risk of infection by effectively cleaning complex surfaces and providing a convenient, single-use solution for healthcare professionals.
Implementation Method 1
The sterilizing element is pre-moistened with an anti-pathogenic agent and configured to contact the outer and inner surfaces of the working site, absorbing and transferring the agent to sterilize the surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
The sterilizing tool is configured to wipe debris from and to sterilize and/or dry a working end-site of medical device; using a wiping, twisting, dabbing, push/pull, and/or screwing motion around all of the surface aspects of the device to be sterilized. Additionally, the sterilizing tool is configured to form fit to the surfaces of the end-site and to apply an inclusive layer of an anti-pathogenic agent to the inner and outer surfaces of the working end-site. The sterilizing tool may be frictionally engaged with and retained on the working end-site until removed and the end-site is ready for use. The sterilizing tool is intended for a one time, single use, disposable application.