Temperature-Sensitive Filter Seal for Sterile Container Condensate Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterile containers with integrated filters and condensate outlets face challenges in efficiently managing condensate during sterilization, leading to prolonged drying times and potential contamination risks due to additional interfaces that complicate sterilization and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A gas-permeable filter system with a temperature-sensitive adjusting section that detaches from the container wall at specified temperatures, allowing condensate to bypass the filter element and create a non-sterile flow path for condensate discharge while maintaining a sterile flow path through the filter element during sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a drain opening is provided in the sterile container to discharge condensate, then drying time is reduced, but the container requires an additional opening in the container wall which increases sterilization risk and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter element and drain opening functions into a single integrated structure. The filter element is positioned to seal against the container wall at a location that serves as both the filtration interface and the condensate discharge opening, eliminating the need for separate openings while maintaining both sterile barrier and drainage functions
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a sterile barrier during normal operation, provides a sealing surface for the drain function, and enables condensate discharge when detached. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for each function
2Ease of operation
If a separate drain opening is provided in the container wall, then condensate can be discharged, but an additional interface is created which increases sterilization complexity and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The drain opening and filter element are merged into a single integrated component. The filter element's peripheral sealing surface directly provides the sealing function for condensate discharge, eliminating the need for separate drain interfaces and reducing the number of sterilization-critical joints
3Reliability
If the seal portion rests against the container wall to maintain sterile barrier, then sterility is preserved, but condensate cannot be discharged during sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is designed with dynamic sealing capability through its elastic deformable peripheral portion. During sterilization, temperature and pressure changes cause the elastic material to deform, automatically releasing the seal to allow condensate discharge, while returning to sealed position when conditions normalize
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes temperature and pressure parameter changes during sterilization to trigger automatic seal release. The elastic material's physical properties change with temperature, causing automatic detachment at sterilization temperatures to enable condensate discharge while maintaining sterility at lower temperatures
4Reliability
If the filter element is permanently sealed to the container wall, then sterile barrier is maintained, but filter element soaking occurs and steam exchange is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element employs dynamic sealing through elastic deformation rather than permanent fixation. The peripheral sealing portion can automatically adjust its contact pressure and detachment state in response to sterilization conditions, allowing steam to pass through during heating while maintaining barrier function during cooling
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 drying time by enabling condensate discharge during sterilization without compromising the sterile barrier, preventing filter element soaking and ensuring unimpeded steam exchange, while maintaining the safety and simplicity of the sterile container design.
Implementation Method 1
at least one temperature-sensitive adjusting section which compulsively releases at least the seal portion from the sterile container wall section when a specified temperature is reached or exceeded
Implementation Method 2
gas-permeable filter system for a sterile container
Implementation Method 3
a seal portion which is adapted to sealingly surround a gas exchange opening provided in a sterile container wall section
Data Source
AI summary
A gas-permeable filter system for a sterile container includes a filter element and a seal portion that sealingly surrounds a gas exchange opening provided in a sterile container wall section in such a manner that the seal portion rests against the sterile container wall section so that a sterile flow path is formed through the gas exchange opening and the filter element. A temperature-sensitive adjusting section releases at least the seal portion from the sterile container wall section when a specified temperature is reached or exceeded such that a non-sterile flow path is formed which allows fluid to be supplied or discharged via the gas exchange opening while bypassing the filter element. The sterile container includes a base and walls that define a receiving space. The sterile container also includes a cover for closing the receiving space. At least one filter system is preferably secured to the sterile container base.