Bulkhead Assembly with Membrane Barrier for VHP Decontamination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing decontamination methods require the decontamination unit to be placed inside the enclosure, posing risks of contamination and safety concerns for users, as well as limitations in flexibility and ease of use when sealing the enclosure.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows the decontamination unit to be positioned outside the enclosure, using a bulkhead assembly with a membrane barrier and adjustable frame to connect the unit to the enclosure, enabling the use of vaporized sterilants like hydrogen peroxide to decontaminate the region while maintaining containment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the decontamination unit is placed inside the enclosure, then the sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the risk of contamination and safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidcontamination risk and safety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate locations: the decontamination unit is placed outside the enclosure while the bulkhead assembly with membrane barrier is installed at the enclosure opening. This segmentation allows the sterilant generation to occur in a safe external location while still achieving effective sterilization of the enclosed space through the controlled delivery system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A membrane barrier (such as a PTFE membrane) is introduced as an intermediary component in the bulkhead assembly. This membrane allows vaporized sterilant to pass through while blocking liquid condensate and aerosols, enabling the decontamination unit to operate safely outside the enclosure while maintaining sterilization effectiveness inside.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the decontamination unit is placed outside the enclosure, then safety and contamination risk are reduced, but the connection and sealing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination risk and safety hazardsVSAvoidconnection and sealing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bulkhead assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a sealed connection between the external decontamination unit and the enclosed space, incorporates a membrane barrier for selective permeability, and enables both vapor delivery and condensate drainage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible membrane (such as PTFE) is used in the bulkhead assembly to create a seal that allows vapor transmission while blocking liquid and aerosols. This thin film solution simplifies the connection interface compared to rigid sealing mechanisms, while maintaining effectiveness against contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If a membrane barrier is used to allow vapor transmission, then the decontamination unit can be placed outside, but the condensate management becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement flexibilityVSAvoidcondensate management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bulkhead assembly is designed with a condensate drainage system that proactively prevents liquid buildup before it becomes problematic. The membrane barrier allows vapor to pass while blocking liquid condensate, and integrated drainage pathways channel the blocked condensate away from the membrane and decontamination unit, preventing contamination and operational issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Enables safe and efficient decontamination of enclosed spaces without exposing the decontamination unit to the interior, providing flexibility in placement and ease of connection, while ensuring effective sterilization and disinfection.

Implementation Method 1

A first port and a second port allow the carrier gas to flow through the membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP2760481B1Bulkhead assembly for VHP unit with removable diffuser

Publication Date: 2017.04.05 AMERICAN STERILIZER CO

AI summary

A system for decontaminating an enclosure that defines a region. The system includes a decontamination unit for generating a vaporized sterilant. The decontamination unit includes a housing that defines a chamber therein. An inlet and an outlet of the housing fluidly communicate with the chamber. A bulkhead assembly connects the decontamination unit to the enclosure. The bulkhead assembly includes a barrier assembly for sealing an opening of the enclosure. The membrane traverses the opening of the enclosure. A first port and a second port allow the carrier gas to flow through the membrane. A frame assembly seals the barrier assembly into the opening of the enclosure. An outlet conduit defines a flow path for conveying the carrier gas from the decontamination unit to the region of the enclosure. A return conduit defines a flow path for conveying the carrier gas from the enclosure to the decontamination unit.