Fluid Distributor Conduit Cleaning via Automated Valve Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid distributing devices, such as those used in ultrasonic scaling and dental powder jet devices, face inefficiencies in cleaning methods, particularly for the second liquid flow conduit associated with gas flow conduits, leading to potential biofilm growth and disinfection challenges due to time-consuming processes that may be neglected by operators.
Innovation Solution
A conduit arrangement with a controller and valves that allows for a quick and automated cleaning process by switching between states to flush and disinfect all conduits, including both liquid flow lines, using a container fluid and source fluid in a controlled pattern, enabling efficient cleaning and disinfection without requiring operator presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning methods are used for liquid flow conduits, then cleaning can be performed, but the cleaning process becomes time-consuming and may be neglected by operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically initiating and executing the cleaning process immediately after use without requiring operator intervention. The controller automatically activates valves and pumps to circulate cleaning solutions through all conduits, ensuring disinfection is completed before the next use rather than relying on timely manual cleaning by operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system performs self-service through automated control mechanisms. The controller monitors system state and automatically operates cleaning components including valves, pumps, and fluid delivery systems to clean all conduits without human intervention, making the system self-sufficient for maintaining hygiene.
2Reliability
If cleaning methods focus only on the first liquid flow conduit, then that conduit can be cleaned, but the second liquid flow conduit associated with gas flow conduit remains uncleaned and prone to biofilm growth
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system achieves universality by designing a multi-functional cleaning mechanism that can service multiple different conduit types through a single integrated system. The controller coordinates cleaning fluid delivery to both the first liquid flow conduit and the second liquid flow conduit associated with the gas flow conduit, ensuring comprehensive disinfection coverage across all fluid pathways regardless of their different functions.
3Productivity
If automated valve control is implemented for cleaning, then cleaning efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases with additional valves and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by implementing dynamic valve control that automatically adjusts the state of multiple valves based on real-time system conditions and cleaning requirements. The controller dynamically opens and closes different valves in sequence to direct cleaning fluids through various conduits, enabling rapid automated cleaning without requiring a permanently complex valve configuration for each possible cleaning scenario.
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 solution significantly reduces cleaning time, ensuring thorough disinfection of all conduits, including the second liquid flow conduit, thereby preventing biofilm growth and maintaining device hygiene with minimal operator intervention, allowing for efficient and effective cleaning and disinfection of fluid distributing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a gas fluid inlet (47) in fluid connection with the container fluid conduit (45) for guiding a gas fluid entering through the gas fluid inlet (47) to an inlet of the container (20) for enhancing the pressure in the container (20) and releasing the container fluid (26) into the container conduit (45)
Data Source
Figure 1(1)~2(4)
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention refers to a conduit arrangement (10) of a fluid distributing device (12), the conduit arrangement (10) comprises: a source fluid inlet (42) connected to a source fluid conduit (43) for guiding a source fluid entering through the source fluid inlet (42) to an outlet (46), a container fluid inlet (44) connected to a container fluid conduit (45) for guiding a container fluid entering through the container inlet (44) to an outlet (46) which is preferably detachably connected or detachably connectable to at least one hand piece (16) of the fluid distributing device (12), a plurality of valves (32, 34, 36) each having a first and a second state, and wherein each valve (32, 34, 36) is associated with at least one of the conduits (43, 45), and a controller (18) configured to switch each of the valves (32, 34, 36) from the first state to the second state and vice versa for allowing or preventing respectively the container fluid or the source fluid to enter the corresponding conduit (43, 45) and refers to a method for cleaning a conduit arrangement (10).