Autoclave Temperature Logger Thin-Walled Capsule Thermal Lag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for logging temperature data in autoclaves suffer from thermal resistance issues, leading to inaccurate readings due to a large time lag, which can result in false indications of sterilization temperature maintenance, posing risks in applications like medical sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A compact, IC-based temperature data logger package with direct exposure to ambient gas, utilizing O-rings for sealing and materials with high thermal conductivity to minimize thermal lag, along with a communication system for real-time data logging and correction algorithms to accurately track temperature and other parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional device with thick metal plate capsule is used for logging temperature data, then the device structure is robust and protective, but the thermal mass causes time lag and thermal resistance leading to inaccurate temperature readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin-walled capsule structure instead of thick metal plate to minimize thermal mass and thermal resistance. The thin wall allows rapid heat transfer between the ambient gas and the temperature sensor, reducing time lag and improving the accuracy of temperature readings during rapid temperature changes in autoclave cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is designed with different material properties in different regions: the wall is made thin for thermal responsiveness, while strategic thermal contact points maintain good thermal coupling with the ambient gas. This localized quality optimization ensures both rapid response and accurate measurement without compromising structural integrity.
2Reliability
If a data logger package with large thermal mass is used, then the device is more durable and protective, but it cannot keep up with rapid temperature changes in the autoclave
Solution Approach 1:
The thin-walled capsule provides sufficient protection for the data logger while minimizing thermal mass. The reduced wall thickness allows the sensor to rapidly respond to temperature changes in the autoclave environment, achieving both durability and fast response speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule may use composite materials that provide adequate mechanical strength and protection with minimal thermal mass. This allows the device to be durable enough for autoclave environments while maintaining the ability to track rapid temperature changes accurately.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional temperature logging devices are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but thermal resistance causes false readings of sterilization temperature maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The thin-walled capsule design is relatively simple to manufacture using standard fabrication techniques. Despite the simplified structure, it provides excellent thermal coupling between the sensor and ambient gas, eliminating false readings while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of temperature sensing from a bulky protective housing, using only the minimum necessary wall thickness to protect the sensor. This removal of excess material reduces thermal resistance without significantly complicating the manufacturing 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 solution provides accurate and timely logging of temperature and other ambient gas parameters, reducing the risk of false readings and ensuring proper sterilization cycles by minimizing thermal lag and enabling precise monitoring and verification of autoclave operations.
Implementation Method 1
there is a time lag between the ocean water and the temperature inside the capsule... The thermal resistance may result in false reading of the ambient gas temperature
Implementation Method 2
utilizing O-rings for sealing
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for logging parameter data in autoclave operating cycles. The system has capacity to compensate the response delay to thereby accurately track the ambient gas parameters, such as temperature, pressure, humidity, sterilization gas density, within the autoclave during operation. By properly correcting for the thermal delay, the data accuracy of the measured gas temperature is thus greatly enhanced. Methods for evaluating and verifying autoclave operation cycle are also described. Furthermore, the system may also be used for autoclave pre-maintenance and performance trend analysis.