Pressure-Actuated Bellows Valve for Sterilization Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve technologies for sterilization containers fail to reliably open and close based on specific environmental parameters, such as pressure and temperature, and do not allow for easy interchangeability of components, which complicates their operation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-dependent cylindrical bellows actuator that can be easily snapped onto the container, forming a locking body and controlling fluid inlet/outlet operations by expanding or compressing based on pressure differences, ensuring a tight seal and allowing for simple replacement and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanently installed valves are used in sterilization containers, then the valve structure is stable and reliable, but the components cannot be easily replaced or cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into separate modular components: the bellows actuator, the valve body with shut-off element, and the sealing elements. These components can be detached from each other, allowing individual removal for cleaning or replacement while maintaining the overall valve function. The carrier cap serves as a mounting interface that holds these modular parts together during operation but allows easy disassembly.
2Measurement precision
If complex valve mechanisms are used to achieve reliable pressure-dependent opening and closing, then the valve control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows actuator functions as a self-regulating pressure-sensitive device that automatically responds to pressure differences between the container interior and exterior. The bellows expands when internal pressure exceeds external pressure to open the valve, and contracts when external pressure is higher to close the valve, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms or complex actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve control mechanism utilizes pneumatic pressure differential acting on the bellows actuator. The bellows is hermetically sealed and responds to pressure changes in the container, converting pressure differential into mechanical displacement that directly actuates the shut-off element, providing simple yet precise pressure-dependent control.
3Reliability
If the valve remains closed during pressure loss to ensure sealing, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the ability to drain liquids or respond to leaks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system dynamically adapts its state based on real-time pressure conditions. The bellows actuator continuously responds to pressure differential, automatically opening the valve when internal pressure exceeds external pressure (enabling liquid drainage or leak response) and closing when external pressure is higher (maintaining seal). This dynamic behavior provides both sealing reliability and adaptability without manual intervention.
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 valve reliably opens or closes the fluid inlet/outlet based on pressure conditions, maintaining a hermetic seal and facilitating easy maintenance and cleaning, with the ability to drain liquids when necessary, while ensuring the valve remains closed in case of pressure loss due to leaks.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure prevailing in the hermetically sealed pressure chamber is higher than or equal to the external pressure surrounding the actuator, the cylindrical bellows of the actuator expands and thereby closes the shut-off element, and that if During autoclaving, the external pressure surrounding the actuator is higher than the pressure prevailing in the hermetically sealed pressure chamber, the cylindrical bellows of the actuator compresses axially and the shut-off element opens as a result
Implementation Method 2
the cylindrical bellows of the actuator expands and thereby closes the shut-off element... the cylindrical bellows of the actuator compresses axially and the shut-off element opens as a result
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Fluid inlet and outlet (14) comprises a shut-off valve (22) and an actuator (20), where the actuator converts the shut-off valve into closing and opening positions during autoclaving of the shut-off valve by pressure difference. The actuator comprises a sealed chamber (26) stretchable by a cylindrical bellows (24), which is covered at axial ends by the lid hermetically, thus an axial spreading or compression is produced depending on the pressure difference. The actuator is interchangeable on a support cap (16) on container wall (12).