Clean Room Mixing Apparatus with Nested Compressible Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mixing and dispensing apparatuses are not suitable for use in clean environments, as they are not designed for shipment and sterilization, and are difficult to use while wearing clean room apparel, leading to a time-consuming and labor-intensive process for diluting concentrated disinfectants and sporicides.
Innovation Solution
A mixing and dispensing apparatus comprising a large container for a diluent and a small, compressible container for a concentrated chemical, where the small container's spout is aligned through an internal passageway into the large container, allowing for easy mixing and dispensing by compressing the small container to release its contents into the large container, which is designed for sterilization and use in clean rooms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If concentrated compositions are diluted manually in clean rooms, then the compositions can be used at proper concentrations, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the mixing system into separate compartments: a first container for concentrated composition and a second container for diluent. This segmentation allows pre-preparation of sterile components outside the clean room, reducing in-room mixing time and labor while maintaining sterility through controlled combination.
2Productivity
If concentrated compositions are diluted outside the clean room, then the mixing process is simplified, but the diluted compositions have short shelf life and must be prepared just prior to use
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary preparation by sterilizing and preparing both the concentrated composition and diluent in separate containers outside the clean room. The apparatus is assembled and ready for use, but the actual mixing is delayed until the moment of use by keeping compartments sealed and separate, thus extending preparable time while ensuring fresh mixture.
3Ease of operation
If conventional mixing apparatuses are used in clean rooms, then mixing can be performed, but they are difficult to use while wearing clean room apparel
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus features a nested structure where the second container (diluent) is positioned within or adjacent to the first container (concentrated composition), with the spout extending through an internal passageway. This compact nested design reduces overall apparatus size and complexity while maintaining ease of operation through simple compression or activation mechanisms that work with gloved hands.
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 apparatus allows for precise and efficient mixing of disinfectants and sporicides within a clean environment, maintaining sterility and extending the shelf life of the diluted solution, while being easy to use and reducing labor costs by minimizing manual handling.
Implementation Method 1
the small container's spout is aligned through an internal passageway into the large container, allowing for easy mixing and dispensing by compressing the small container to release its contents into the large container
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing and dispensing apparatus having first and second containers. The first container has a main body portion which retains a first substance. A separate compartment is located in the first container and an internal passageway is formed between the main body portion and the compartment. The second container is configured to retain a second substance, and is compressible. The second container has a top end and a closed spout, wherein the closed spout is located in the compartment with the spout extending through the internal passageway into the main body portion of said first container. A release mechanism is formed by a plunger extending within the second container. The plunger has a first end in communication with the top end of the second container, and a second end aligned with the closed spout. The second end opens the closed spout when the second container is compressed to release the second substance into the main body portion of the first container.