Fluid interception device for a medical cleaning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical apparatus cleaning systems face design complexity and increased costs due to separate working fluid circuits, which require complex diagnostics and maintenance when components fail, and do not efficiently prevent backflow into water supply networks or proper steam disposal.
Innovation Solution
A compact working fluid interception device with a hollow condenser body incorporating condensation nozzles, drain holes, and vacuum break units, allowing for simultaneous handling of cleaning water and steam within a single unit, ensuring air separation and efficient fluid management while minimizing space and maintenance complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate working fluid circuits are used for water feeding and steam disposal, then backflow prevention and steam disposal functions are achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate water feeding and steam disposal circuits into a single integrated working fluid circuit. The processing chamber serves dual functions: it acts as both the water feeding circuit and steam disposal circuit. This merging eliminates the need for separate feeding/discharge ports and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining backflow prevention capabilities through the air gap mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing chamber is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the water feeding circuit and steam disposal circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated components needed, simplifies the overall system architecture, and decreases space requirements while ensuring both backflow prevention and proper steam disposal.
2Reliability
If separate working fluid circuits are used, then specific space requirements are met for each function, but overall system space and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the water feeding and steam disposal circuits into a single integrated system using the processing chamber, the patent reduces the total volume required for separate components. The air gap mechanism within the processing chamber provides both backflow prevention and steam disposal functions without requiring additional dedicated space for separate circuits.
3Reliability
If separate working fluid circuits are used, then each circuit can be optimized independently, but maintenance complexity and system downtime increase when failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of water feeding and steam disposal circuits into a single system simplifies maintenance procedures. When failures occur, the reduced number of components and circuits requires less complex diagnostics and fewer interventions. The air gap mechanism provides inherent protection against backflow-related failures, reducing the frequency of maintenance interventions.
4Reliability
If vacuum break interception valves and air gap units are provided in water feeding circuit, then backflow prevention is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the backflow prevention function directly into the processing chamber design using an air gap mechanism, eliminating the need for separate vacuum break interception valves and air gap units in the water feeding circuit. This integration maintains reliable backflow prevention while significantly reducing device complexity.
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 device provides a cost-effective, simple-to-maintain solution that prevents backflow and proper steam disposal, reducing system downtime during diagnostics and maintenance, while adhering to regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
one or more condensation nozzles U, which are in fluid communication with one or more drain holes D
Implementation Method 2
vacuum break interception valves and/or air break or air gap units are provided, which ensure an air separation between a water feed duct and the water usage circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 2A
AI summary
It is disclosed a fluid interception device (2) for a cleaning and disinfecting system for medical devices, which is equipped with a processing chamber (1), comprising a hollow box-shaped condenser body (20), provided with at least a transit port (L), in fluid communication with a transit duct (A) of said cleaning and disinfecting system, at least a vent port (8) in communication with the external environment, there being furthermore incorporated in said hollow box-shaped condenser body (20) one or more condensation nozzles (U), in fluid communication with one or more drain holes (D) arranged in a lower portion of said hollow box-shaped condenser body (20), one or more water feeding nozzles (C), arranged above with respect to and in fluid communication with said transit port (L), between said one or more condensation nozzles (U) and one or more water feeding nozzles (C), a separation septum (21) being arranged which defines and divides a condensation chamber and a feeding chamber, said transit port (L) being arranged on the side of said feeding chamber and said separation septum (21) providing at least one flow port (21a) which places said transit port (L) in communication with said condensation chamber.