Technical Compartment Access With Dual Doors for Treatment Tanks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing, thermal disinfection, and sterilization apparatuses require authorized technicians to restore operation after minor maintenance tasks due to safety protocols, and treatment substance tanks are cumbersome to access and remove.

Innovation Solution

A treatment apparatus with a mobile trolley system and dual-door mechanism that allows safe and compact access to treatment substance tanks, ensuring operator safety and ease of maintenance by blocking apparatus operation when tanks are accessed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the access door to the technical compartment is opened to replace or replenish treatment substance tanks, then the tanks become accessible for maintenance operations, but the apparatus enters a safety alarm state requiring authorized technician intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess to treatment substance tanksVSAvoidSafety protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture is divided into two separate doors: a first door providing access to the treatment substance tanks, and a second door providing access to the technical compartment. This segmentation allows independent access to tanks without triggering the safety alarm, while maintaining security for internal components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A mobile trolley is introduced as an intermediary element that supports the treatment substance tanks. The trolley can be moved to block the first door aperture, preventing operator entry while allowing tank access, and can be repositioned to allow authorized technician entry when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the technical compartment size is reduced to allow operator access, then maintenance becomes more practical, but treatment substance tanks cannot be completely removed for safety

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveOperator access to technical compartmentVSAvoidEmergency escape route
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile trolley provides dynamic positioning capability. It can be moved to block the aperture during normal operation to prevent unauthorized entry, and can be repositioned to allow authorized technician access or emergency escape when needed, adapting to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages safety through the mobile trolley's positioning and the dual-door mechanism, eliminating the need for manual safety interventions. The trolley itself serves as both a support structure for tanks and a safety barrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If treatment substance tanks are positioned for easy access, then maintenance operations are simplified, but operator entry into the technical compartment becomes more dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTank accessibilityVSAvoidOperator safety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture is segmented into two separate doors, allowing the first door to remain open for tank access while the second door maintains security. This physical separation enables safe tank maintenance without compromising operator protection from internal hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile trolley acts as a dynamic intermediary that can position itself to block the aperture, creating a physical barrier that prevents operator entry while allowing tank access from the outside. It mediates between accessibility and safety requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4623939A1Treatment apparatus with technical compartment and corresponding method for accessing such compartment
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 STEELCO
  • EP4623939A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4623939A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4623939A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatus (10) for treating objects comprising a treatment chamber (11), an adjacent technical compartment (12) and a safety control unit (26), and corresponding method for accessing the technical compartment (12).