Microtome Cryostat Disinfection via Hoarfrost Sublimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for disinfecting microtome cryostats are inefficient, requiring lengthy interruptions in operation due to time-consuming defrosting and warming processes, and previous disinfection methods like ozone and UV rays have limitations such as corrosion, toxicity, and inadequate penetration.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a disinfectant in mist form that forms a hoarfrost-like deposit at sub-zero temperatures, which sublimates and is removed by sporadic defrosting phases, allowing the cryostat to remain at its usual operating temperature and reducing the need for frequent defrosting and disinfectant removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional disinfection methods (ozone, UV rays, or heating) are used, then disinfection effectiveness is achieved, but device complexity increases or operation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by performing disinfection at sub-zero temperatures (below 0°C) rather than heating the chamber. This allows the cryostat to remain at its operating temperature during disinfection, eliminating the need for time-consuming heating and defrosting cycles while maintaining disinfection effectiveness through cold-active disinfectants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water (liquid to solid) by introducing liquid disinfectant into the cold chamber where it freezes on surfaces. This frozen layer then sublimes (solid to gas) over time, releasing the disinfectant vapor that penetrates shadowed areas and provides thorough disinfection without requiring heating
2Reliability
If ozone is used for disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but harmful effects increase due to corrosion and toxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs common, non-hazardous disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based solutions that are safe, non-corrosive, and easily removable. These replace hazardous agents like ozone, eliminating corrosion and toxicity issues while maintaining effective disinfection through their antimicrobial properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the cold environment of the cryostat from a limitation into a benefit by using cold-active disinfectants that remain stable and effective at sub-zero temperatures. The freezing of the disinfectant on surfaces is not seen as a problem but as a mechanism that allows slow, controlled sublimation and penetration into shadowed areas, improving disinfection effectiveness without the harmful side effects of heated disinfectants
3Reliability
If UV rays are used for decontamination, then disinfection is achieved, but penetration depth is insufficient into shadowed areas and sample residues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase transition (freezing and sublimation) to enable the disinfectant to penetrate shadowed areas. The frozen disinfectant layer slowly sublimes, allowing vapor to reach into crevices, shadowed areas, and on sample residues where UV rays cannot penetrate, thereby achieving thorough decontamination without the depth limitations of UV radiation
4Reliability
If the cryostat is heated for disinfection, then disinfectant evaporation is improved, but the time required for defrosting and warming-up increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of heating the cryostat to enable disinfectant evaporation, the patent inverts the approach by using cold temperatures. The disinfectant is introduced as liquid, freezes on surfaces, and then slowly sublimes at sub-zero temperatures. This eliminates the need for heating and defrosting cycles, allowing the cryostat to remain at its operating temperature throughout the disinfection process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition (liquid to solid to gas) at sub-zero temperatures instead of heating. The disinfectant freezes on surfaces and then sublimes slowly, providing continuous vapor release without requiring the energy-intensive heating and defrosting processes that would otherwise be needed to achieve evaporation
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 method enables rapid and effective disinfection of microtome cryostats multiple times a day with reduced downtime, using significantly less disinfectant and minimizing disruptions to operation, as the hoarfrost-like deposit is more effective and can be sporadically removed, maintaining the cryostat's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
Introducing a disinfectant in mist form that forms a hoarfrost-like deposit at sub-zero temperatures
Implementation Method 2
which sublimates and is removed by sporadic defrosting phases
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for disinfecting a microtome cryostat (1) comprising a) introducing a disinfectant (3) into the cryostat chamber (2), b) acting of the disinfectant (3) on the cryostat chamber (2), c) removing the disinfectant (3) by precipitation in a colder area (6) and removal from there.In order to disinfect such a microtome cryostat (1) several times a day without prolonged interruption of operation, the following embodiment of the above-mentioned process steps is provided according to the invention: a) A disinfectant (3) effective at this temperature is introduced into the cryostat chamber (2) in a mist-like form at below 0° C, b) the disinfectant (3) acts as a frost-like deposit in the cryostat chamber (2), c) by sublimation the frost-like deposit moves into a colder area (6) and is liquefied and thereby removed by sporadic defrosting phases of this area (6).