Constant-temperature device provided with rotating specimen table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional constant-temperature devices with automatic conveyance mechanisms face challenges in hydrogen peroxide sterilization due to corrosion of metal structures and the inability of hydrogen peroxide gas to effectively sterilize bacteria within lubricants and moisture in high-humidity environments, leading to contamination and poor culture results.
Innovation Solution
A constant-temperature device with a thermostatic chamber using a rotating magnetic field and axial load resistance bearings made of stainless, ceramic, or resin materials, along with ring-shaped seal packings and positive pressure gas introduction to prevent corrosion and bacterial growth, allowing for hydrogen peroxide sterilization without damaging metal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal structures are used in the thermostatic chamber, then structural strength and durability are improved, but corrosion occurs during hydrogen peroxide sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using disposable absorbent sheets that are replaced regularly. These sheets are designed to be used for a limited period and then discarded, eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization processes that would corrode reusable metal components. The absorbent sheets are made of non-corrosive materials that can withstand hydrogen peroxide sterilization if needed, but are ultimately replaced rather than reused.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of components exposed to hydrogen peroxide sterilization from metal to non-metal materials such as plastics, resins, or treated surfaces that resist corrosion. This parameter change allows the structural components to maintain their strength while being resistant to the corrosive effects of hydrogen peroxide gas during sterilization cycles.
2Ease of operation
If lubricants are used in moving parts, then friction is reduced and operation is smoothed, but bacteria grow in the lubricants in high-humidity environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes lubricants from the system by using self-lubricating materials such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or other solid lubricants that are inherently part of the moving components. This eliminates the need for separate lubricant applications and prevents bacteria from growing in liquid lubricants. The moving parts are designed to operate without traditional lubricants that can become contaminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by using disposable components that do not require lubrication, or by replacing lubricated components frequently before bacterial contamination can occur. The absorbent sheets and other removable components are designed to be replaced regularly, preventing bacterial buildup that would occur with persistent lubricated surfaces.
3Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods are used, then bacteria are killed, but metal components are corroded and lubricants become contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable absorbent sheets and removable components that can be easily replaced. These components are designed to withstand sterilization processes and are discarded after use, eliminating the need to repeatedly sterilize and reuse metal components and lubricated surfaces. This approach maintains sterilization effectiveness while avoiding cumulative corrosion and contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material composition of components subjected to sterilization from metal to hydrogen peroxide-resistant materials such as certain plastics, resins, or metal alloys with protective coatings. This parameter change allows effective sterilization to occur without the corrosive side effects that plague conventional metal components.
4Extent of automation
If motors and electronic members are placed in the thermostatic chamber, then automated control is improved, but they are affected by high temperature and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system by placing motors and electronic control members outside the thermostatic chamber in a controlled environment. The chamber is divided into zones: a controlled zone for sensitive electronic components and a high-temperature/high-humidity zone for the culturing environment. This segmentation allows automated control while protecting sensitive components from damaging environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic coupling as an intermediary mechanism to transmit rotational force across the chamber boundary without physical penetration. Driven magnets inside the chamber interact with driving magnets outside the chamber through magnetic fields, allowing the motor to remain in the controlled external environment while still providing automated rotation of specimens inside the thermostatic chamber.
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 enables stable and efficient hydrogen peroxide sterilization, reducing downtime and maintaining the integrity of metal components, thereby enhancing culture results and production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of driven magnets placed on the specimen table are magnetically coupled with a plurality of driving magnets located on positions corresponding to the driven magnets outside the thermostatic chamber, and a rotating magnetic field is generated by drive-force given from a drive source to the driving magnets and transferred to the driven magnets to be magnetically coupled
Implementation Method 2
a bearing 17 is provided at a center position of the rotating shaft 18 in the vertical axis direction
Implementation Method 3
a sterilization method for filling hydrogen peroxide vapor due to heating and vaporizing inside the thermostatic chamber, which is called hydrogen peroxide sterilization
Implementation Method 4
ring-shaped seal packings and positive pressure gas introduction to prevent corrosion and bacterial growth
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a constant-temperature device which comprises conveyance mechanism and which can operate stably over a long period of time even when installed in an atmosphere of a sterilization gas having strong oxidative properties, such as hydrogen peroxide gas, or a high temperature environment during dry-heat sterilization operations. A drive unit for a rotatably operated specimen table (10) on which a specimen is placed, in an incubation chamber, is arranged outside of the incubation chamber, and the drive-force from the drive unit is transmitted by means of magnetic coupling. Furthermore, ring-shaped seal packing (22), in which a lip (24) is formed, is arranged above and below a base plate(13) provided to the specimen plate (10), and a seal plate (23) is arranged along the entire perimeter of the base plate (13) at the portion which makes contact with the lip (24), thus a bearing (17) and/or a drive portion are isolated from high-temperature atmospheres and in-chamber atmospheres having strong oxidative properties, preventing damage due to high temperatures or sterilization gas.