Autoclave Sterilization System with External Checking Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autoclave sterilization systems rely on manual and subjective management of biological sterilization indicators, which can be influenced by the position of the test vial and require lengthy operations, leading to unreliable and delayed confirmation of sterilization cycles.
Innovation Solution
An autoclave sterilization system with separate checking chambers and tools that automatically monitor sterilization conditions, using liquid-state biological indicators and temperature sensors to objectively assess the sterilization process, allowing for immediate and certified evaluation of cycle success.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a test vial is placed in central position inside the autoclave, then the vial is subjected to higher temperatures, but this position does not reliably represent the worst case conditions for objects being sterilized on the edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple test vials positioned at different locations (central and peripheral) to create representative samples of different thermal zones. Instead of relying on a single central vial, the system copies the testing approach across multiple positions to capture the full range of thermal conditions, with peripheral vials specifically representing the worst-case scenarios for objects located at edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point measurement (central position only) to a multi-dimensional spatial distribution of test vials. By positioning vials at various heights and radial distances from the center, the system creates a three-dimensional mapping of thermal conditions, allowing comprehensive assessment of the sterilization field.
2Ease of operation
If manual management of test vials is used, then operations can be performed, but the process is long, laborious, and strongly influenced by subjective factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic retrieval and analysis of test vials through integrated robotic or automated mechanisms. The test vials are equipped with identification markers that allow the system to automatically track, retrieve, and process them without manual intervention, eliminating subjective factors and significantly reducing the time required for sterilization cycle verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (handling, positioning, and analyzing test vials) with automated systems. This includes automated retrieval mechanisms, optical or sensor-based analysis systems, and integrated control systems that eliminate the need for operator intervention, thereby increasing productivity and eliminating subjective influences.
3Loss of time
If analysis of the test vial is delayed until the sterilization cycle is completely concluded, then access to the sterilization chamber is possible, but the outcome is available only several hours or days after the cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of test vials during the sterilization cycle itself or immediately upon completion, rather than waiting for delayed manual processing. Automated retrieval and analysis systems are prepared in advance and activated as soon as the cycle concludes, ensuring results are available immediately to confirm sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous monitoring and processing capability throughout and immediately after the sterilization cycle. Automated systems remain active and ready to retrieve and analyze test vials without interruption or delay, ensuring continuous verification of sterilization effectiveness and eliminating gaps in the validation process.
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 system ensures objective and automatic verification of sterilization cycles, reducing subjective errors and providing immediate confirmation of sterilization success, ensuring reliable and efficient processing without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum generating device (7) connected to said sterilization chamber (3) and configured to create a vacuum inside said sterilization chamber (3)
Implementation Method 2
a feeding device (8) connected to said sterilization chamber (3) and configured to feed pressurized saturated steam into said sterilization chamber (3) (for example at the temperature of 134°C and at the pressure of 2.1 bar)
Implementation Method 3
said checking tool (10) being provided with a plurality of temperature sensors (34) arranged at different heights of said dead pipe (33) for detecting respective temperatures inside said checking chamber (12) and in the proximity of its closed end
Implementation Method 4
a colour change or a turbidity change indicates the outcome of the sterilization process
Data Source
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AI summary
An autoclave sterilization system (1) having: a container (2), which encloses a sterilization chamber (3) and has at least one wall (6) delimiting the sterilization chamber (3) and a through opening (13) directly communicating with the sterilization chamber (3); a vacuum generating device (7), which is configured to create a vacuum inside the sterilization chamber (3); a feeding device (8) to feed saturated steam into the sterilization chamber (3); at least one tool (9, 10) to check the sterilization process; at least one checking chamber (11, 12), which is arranged on the outside of the sterilization chamber (3) and is configured to at least partially house the checking tool (9, 10); and a vertical duct (14, 15), which is connected to the through opening (13) and ends, at the opposite end relative to the through opening (13), in the checking chamber (11, 12) so as to lead, during a sterilization treatment, the saturated steam present in the sterilization chamber (3) into the checking chamber (11, 12).