Closed Bioindicator Membrane for Washing Machine Disinfection Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioindicators for testing disinfection performance in washing machines are prone to contamination, require specialized staff, and produce unreliable results due to germ dilution or escape, leading to repeated tests and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A bioindicator device comprising a carrier with reference germs enclosed by a semi-permeable membrane, allowing for efficient germ reduction verification without contamination, using a polymer membrane with specific pore sizes to ensure germ retention and disinfectant permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open bioindicator systems are used for testing, then the testing process becomes simpler and does not require specialized staff, but the risk of contamination increases and test results become unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a semi-permeable membrane as a flexible shell to enclose the reference germs in the bioindicator. This membrane allows the disinfectant to penetrate and act on the germs while preventing contamination from outside, thus maintaining both ease of operation and reliability of the test
Solution Approach 2:
The semi-permeable membrane acts as an intermediary between the reference germs and the external environment. It selectively allows the disinfectant to pass through while blocking contaminants, enabling reliable testing without requiring specialized handling staff
2Device complexity
If the bioindicator is not properly enclosed, then the testing procedure remains simple, but germ dilution or escape occurs leading to false positive results
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-permeable membrane provides a simple yet effective enclosure that prevents germ escape and dilution while allowing disinfectant penetration. This maintains measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The semi-permeable membrane is a porous material with specific pore sizes that allow selective passage of disinfectant molecules while retaining larger germ structures. This ensures accurate measurement of disinfection effectiveness without germ loss
3Use of energy by moving object
If the membrane pore size is too large, then the disinfectant can penetrate effectively, but germs may escape through the membrane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using a semi-permeable membrane with pore sizes between 0.1-2 μm, which is optimized to allow small disinfectant molecules to pass through while blocking larger germ structures. This achieves both effective disinfectant penetration and reliable germ retention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the pore size parameter of the membrane to a specific range (0.1-2 μm) that balances disinfectant penetration efficiency with germ retention. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between effective disinfection and preventing germ escape
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 solution provides a safe, reliable, and cost-effective method for testing disinfection performance in washing machines, minimizing contamination risks and ensuring reproducible results without interrupting daily operations.
Implementation Method 1
the carrier is enclosed by a semi-permeable membrane
Implementation Method 2
using a polymer membrane with specific pore sizes to ensure germ retention and disinfectant permeability
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a bioindicator and a method for using the bioindicator for microbiological testing of washing machines. The device according to the invention allows a safe, reliable, cost-effective and easy-to-use microbiological test of the disinfection performance of washing machines. The invention further relates to a use of the bioindicator and a kit comprising 10 bioindicators. In particular, the invention relates to a closed bioindicator for a verification of disinfecting washing processes.