Alkali Metal Deactivation Container with Pressure Relief Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Devices used in medical treatments containing reactive substances, such as alkali metals, pose a hazard during disposal due to the risk of unintended chemical reactions, leading to hazardous byproducts and unsafe conditions.

Innovation Solution

A deactivation system comprising a container with a support to maintain it upright, containing an alkali metal reactant or solubilizer, and a lid with a pressure management feature to safely deactivate the alkali metal device by controlling gas release and maintaining a secure environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the alkali metal device is disposed of directly after use, then disposal time is reduced, but hazardous chemical reactions may occur creating unsafe conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisposal timeVSAvoidhazardous chemical reactions

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The deactivation container is pre-filled with deactivation reagents (such as ammonium chloride, citric acid, or other alkali metal-reactive substances) before use. When the alkali metal device is placed in the container, the deactivation process begins automatically without requiring additional preparation steps, thus maintaining quick disposal while ensuring safe neutralization of the reactive alkali metal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the deactivation container is sealed tightly, then containment of reactive substances is improved, but pressure buildup from gas generation may create dangerous conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainment of reactive substancesVSAvoidpressure buildup

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The deactivation container incorporates a pressure relief valve that opens in response to pressure buildup from gas generation during the deactivation process. This allows the system to maintain containment of reactive substances while safely releasing excess pressure, preventing dangerous conditions. The valve may utilize phase transition mechanisms or simple pressure-differential opening to regulate internal pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Reliability

If the deactivation container is designed with multiple components for secure deactivation, then deactivation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeactivation effectivenessVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deactivation container is divided into distinct functional components: a body for holding the alkali metal device, a lid for sealing, a pressure relief valve for pressure management, and pre-filled deactivation reagents. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve effective deactivation while maintaining relatively simple construction and ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the lid is made fully sealed, then prevention of substance leakage is improved, but pressure management and gas release become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of substance leakageVSAvoidgas pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure relief valve acts as an intermediary mechanism between the sealed container interior and the external environment. It maintains the sealed condition necessary for preventing leakage of deactivation reagents and alkali metal substances, while simultaneously providing a controlled pathway for gas release when pressure exceeds safe levels. The valve opens only under pressure differential, balancing containment and pressure management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 deactivation system effectively neutralizes the alkali metal, preventing hazardous reactions during disposal, while ensuring the system remains safe to handle and preventing pressure buildup.

Implementation Method 1

The deactivation container body may have an alkali metal reactant or an alkali metal solubilizer therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The lid may include a pressure management feature to release gas from a top of the deactivation container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas release: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20250144682A1Systems, devices, and methods for deactivating alkali metal devices

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 CANDESANT BIOMEDICAL INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for deactivating an alkali metal device. In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a deactivation container comprising a container body defining a cavity configured to receive a device comprising an alkali metal, the cavity containing an alkali metal reactant or an alkali metal solubilizer, a lid coupled to the container body and partially received in the cavity in a closed position, the lid comprising a pressure relief mechanism to release gas from a top of the deactivation container during a deactivation process, and a support configured to maintain the deactivation container in an upright position during the deactivation process.