Constricting Pressure Valve Apparatus for Medical Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure-actuated valves for medical sterilization containers face issues due to the small diameter and large length-to-diameter ratio of bellows capsules, leading to increased back pressure and the need for elaborate return spring mechanisms, which complicates manufacturing and can result in leaks, affecting valve operation during sterilization cycles.
Innovation Solution
A constrictable membrane with a pressurizable interior compartment is used, supported by a second valve portion and positioned to engage with a sealing edge of a first valve portion, allowing for efficient opening and closing under pressure changes without the need for evacuation, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional bellows designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a bellows capsule with small diameter and large length-to-diameter ratio is used, then the valve can be compact, but the back pressure increases and the return spring mechanism becomes elaborate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the bellows capsule, specifically using a large diameter and short length-to-diameter ratio (e.g., 1.3 inches diameter with length-to-diameter ratio of 0.5 or less). This parameter change reduces the volume reduction during collapse from over 20% to 10% or less, thereby reducing back pressure and simplifying the return spring mechanism while maintaining compactness
2Reliability
If the bellows capsule is evacuated to reduce back pressure, then the valve operation improves, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of evacuating the bellows capsule, the patent changes the geometric parameters (large diameter, short length) to inherently reduce back pressure during operation. This eliminates the need for evacuation procedures and complex sealing mechanisms, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliable valve operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the evacuation requirement from the design by using geometric parameters that naturally minimize back pressure. This removes the need for elaborate return spring mechanisms and evacuation procedures, simplifying both manufacturing and operation
3Ease of manufacture
If the bellows capsule is not evacuated, then manufacturing is simpler, but air compression during opening reduces valve opening effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a large diameter bellows capsule with short length-to-diameter ratio so that when air is compressed during opening, the volume reduction is limited to 10% or less. This geometric parameter change ensures that even with air present, the back pressure remains low enough to allow effective valve opening while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
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
This solution reduces manufacturing complexity, minimizes the risk of leaks, and ensures reliable valve operation by allowing the valve to open and close effectively under varying pressure conditions, maintaining a sterile environment within the sterilization container.
Implementation Method 1
When the pressure outside the container exceeds that within the container by a few pounds per square inch, the force on the valve closure exceeds that exerted by the return spring
Implementation Method 2
a constrictable membrane having a pressurizable interior compartment, the constrictable membrane supported by the second valve portion
Data Source
AI summary
A valve apparatus and methods associated thereof are provided. The valve apparatus includes a valve housing structure. A first valve portion is connected to the valve housing structure, wherein the first valve portion has a sealing edge. A second valve portion is positioned at least partially within the valve housing structure. A constrictable membrane has a pressurizable interior compartment, wherein the constrictable membrane supported by the second valve portion and positioned proximate to the first valve portion, wherein at least a portion of the constrictable membrane is movable to engageable with the sealing edge of the first valve portion.