Euthanasia Chamber Inflatable Seal and PLC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for euthanizing animals fail to ensure safe and humane termination, particularly for large animals or multiple animals simultaneously, often leading to operator safety risks and distress for the animals, while not fully adhering to established guidelines.
Innovation Solution
A specially designed chamber with a sealed door, inflatable seals, and automated gas control system using a programmable logic controller and human-machine interface for precise gas flow and monitoring, allowing for safe and simultaneous euthanasia of multiple animals while ensuring operator safety and humane treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealed chamber with inflatable seals is used to contain euthanizing gas, then gas containment and animal safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inflatable seal system using pneumatic principles to create a reliable gas-tight seal at the chamber door. The seal comprises an inflatable bladder that, when inflated, forms a flexible barrier preventing gas leakage while allowing the door to be opened and closed. This pneumatic solution provides superior sealing compared to rigid gaskets while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If automated gas control with programmable logic controller is implemented, then gas concentration control and humane treatment are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control through oxygen sensors that continuously monitor gas concentrations within the chamber. The sensor data is fed back to the programmable logic controller, which automatically adjusts gas flow rates to maintain precise concentration levels. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate gas delivery while minimizing the need for manual intervention and complex operator procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical gas control systems with an automated electronic control system based on a programmable logic controller. The PLC integrates sensor inputs, executes predefined algorithms, and automatically actuates gas valves, eliminating the need for manual flow meter adjustments and complex mechanical linkages. This substitution provides superior precision while simplifying the operator interface.
3Productivity
If multiple animals are euthanized simultaneously in the same chamber, then productivity is improved, but gas consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is designed as a universal containment space that can accommodate multiple animals of various sizes simultaneously. The single chamber design with adjustable shelving and flexible cage arrangements allows the same gas volume to serve multiple subjects, achieving economies of scale. The programmable controller optimizes gas distribution to ensure adequate concentration reaches all animals regardless of their number or positioning within the 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 apparatus ensures safe and humane euthanasia of animals by maintaining controlled gas concentrations, preventing over-pressurization, and allowing for precise monitoring and adjustment, thus addressing the limitations of prior art and enhancing compliance with euthanasia guidelines.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom of the door may therefore have an inflatable seal that may seal against the bottom of the door with respect to the threshold and the other door seal(s)
Implementation Method 2
which may be heated by a heater to suitable temperatures
Implementation Method 3
a fan and a damper secured within an exhaust gas opening in the chamber, and a damper secured within a fresh air inlet opening may work in conjunction to duct the toxic gas out of the chamber and be replaced with fresh air
Data Source
AI summary
An animal euthanasia device includes a chamber with an opening through which a partitioned cage may be wheeled. A pivotally attached door seals the opening using fixed edge seals and an inflatable door threshold seal. A latch secures the door, once closed. After a sensor verifies door closure, an electro-magnetic lock prevents inadvertent door opening during the process, which may be automated using a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC coordinates actuation of a fan and damper within an air exhaust opening, a fan and a damper within an exhaust gas opening, and a damper within a fresh air inlet opening, and also triggers a solenoid valve that controls flow of euthanizing gas into the chamber. A keyed selector switch controls power to the device to initiate the automated process, which is monitored using oxygen sensors, and CO2 flow and pressure sensors, and is reported on a human machine interface.