Autoclave Water Purification Filter Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autoclaves for medical-dental use face challenges with expensive and laborious supply of demineralised and purified water, harmful environmental dispersion of condensed water, and high energy costs associated with producing demineralised water.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization method utilizing an autoclave with an outer tank for water purification and recirculation, featuring a filtration system with multiple filtering layers and sensors to demineralize and purify water efficiently, reducing the need for expensive demineralised water and minimizing environmental impact through continuous recirculation and safe disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If demineralised and purified water is supplied to the autoclave, then sterilisation quality is improved, but water supply cost and labor are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the water quality parameter from demineralised/purified water to ordinary tap water by introducing a purification filter system that removes impurities, pathogens, and minerals at the point of use, thereby maintaining sterilisation quality while eliminating the need for expensive pre-treated water supplies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a purification filter as an intermediary component between the water supply and the autoclave chamber. This filter system includes multiple filtering layers and sensors that purify tap water in real-time, serving as a mediator that enables the use of ordinary water while ensuring sterilisation requirements are met
2Reliability
If demineralised water is produced, then water purity is improved, but energy consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary purification action through the filter system before water enters the autoclave. The filter removes contaminants, minerals, and pathogens from tap water in advance, eliminating the need for energy-intensive demineralisation processes while ensuring water purity requirements are met
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal demineralisation system with a filtration-based purification system. Instead of using energy-intensive heating, distillation, or reverse osmosis to remove minerals, the system uses physical filtration through multiple layers to achieve the same purity goal with minimal energy input
3Productivity
If condensed water is dispersed into the environment, then sterilisation cycle completion is achieved, but environmental harm is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a water recovery system where condensed water discharged from the sterilisation chamber is captured and redirected to the purification filter instead of being dispersed into the environment. The filtered water is then reused to refill the water reservoir, creating a closed-loop system that eliminates environmental discharge while maintaining sterilisation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful discharged condensed water into a beneficial resource by routing it through the purification filter system. The previously wasted water is now purified and reused, transforming an environmental hazard into a valuable asset that reduces water consumption and eliminates pollution
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 method provides a cost-effective, simple, and environmentally friendly sterilization process by using purified water from a recirculating system, reducing energy consumption and maintaining a safe and efficient autoclave operation.
Implementation Method 1
a purification filter (10) placed in said outer tank (1) outside the autoclave (20) and suitable to purify water by the mere passage of said water through filtering layers (11)
Implementation Method 2
They are supplied with demineralised and purified water which is brought by said autoclave to high temperatures and pressures
Implementation Method 3
The water in a steam state is then channelled into an insulated chamber
Implementation Method 4
the handling and possible dispersion of the condensed water into the environment after the sterilisation cycle
Data Source
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AI summary
Sterilising apparatus (50) comprising: an autoclave for sterilisation or steam disinfector (20), comprising a sterilisation chamber (21), an inner tank (22) for water, inside said autoclave for sterilisation (20) and heating means (23) of water, an outer tank (1) outside the autoclave for sterilisation (20) wherein the outer tank (1) comprises a purification filter (10) suitable to purify water contained therein by the mere passage of said water through filtering layers.