Water Steam Autoclave Venturi Ejector for Vacuum Pump Replacement

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autoclaves for sterilizing surgical, dental, and veterinary instruments require vacuum pumps, which are costly and prone to wear, increasing the overall cost and maintenance downtime.

Innovation Solution

Replace the vacuum pump with a Venturi ejector to remove residual air and steam from the sterilization chamber, utilizing either compressed air or steam generated by the autoclave, reducing the need for a vacuum pump and lowering costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a vacuum pump is used to remove air and steam from the sterilization chamber, then the sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the device cost and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the vacuum generation function from a complex vacuum pump system and implements it through a simpler ejector-based mechanism. The ejector uses high-speed fluid flow to create a vacuum effect, eliminating the need for a mechanical vacuum pump while maintaining the necessary vacuum functionality for sterilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical vacuum pump system with a fluid-dynamics-based ejector system. Instead of using mechanical components to create vacuum, the system uses the kinetic energy of a fluid jet to generate the necessary suction, thereby simplifying the mechanical complexity of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a vacuum pump is used to remove air and steam from the sterilization chamber, then the sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the maintenance downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidmaintenance downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the vacuum generation function from a complex vacuum pump system and implements it through a simpler ejector-based mechanism. The ejector uses high-speed fluid flow to create a vacuum effect, eliminating the need for a mechanical vacuum pump while maintaining the necessary vacuum functionality for sterilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical vacuum pump system with a fluid-dynamics-based ejector system. Instead of using mechanical components to create vacuum, the system uses the kinetic energy of a fluid jet to generate the necessary suction, thereby simplifying the mechanical complexity of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of time

If compressed air or steam is used to actuate the ejector, then the system becomes more self-sufficient, but the fluid consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem autonomyVSAvoidfluid consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sterilization steam generation function with the ejector actuation function. The same steam that is used for sterilization is also utilized to power the ejector, combining two functions into one system and eliminating the need for separate fluid sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by using steam that serves dual purposes: both as the sterilizing agent and as the actuating fluid for the ejector. This universal use of steam reduces overall fluid consumption and enhances system self-sufficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 Venturi ejector effectively removes air and steam without a vacuum pump, reducing costs and maintenance, while maintaining efficient sterilization performance.

Implementation Method 1

Replace the vacuum pump with a Venturi ejector to remove residual air and steam from the sterilization chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4190365B1autoclave

Publication Date: 2025.08.20 CEFLA SOC COOP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A hydraulic circuit for a water steam autoclave (1) for sterilizing instruments, comprising in the order - a first tank (5) for the water intended for generating steam and a second tank (6) for collecting used water, - a pump (15) for conveying water, in sequence, toward the following units - a steam generator (7), - a sterilizing chamber (3) wherein steam and instruments to be sterilized come into contact, - a steam condenser (12), - a manifold (16), which units are connected to each other through suitable tubing (20-29 or 40-50) and solenoid valves, characterized in that it comprises an ejector (13) to suction the content of said sterilization chamber (3). A method for performing sterilization cycles using the autoclave (1) having the above circuit.