Free Radical Sterilization System for Heat-Sensitive Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilization methods are inadequate for effectively sterilizing heat-sensitive devices at atmospheric pressure, as they often require high temperatures and may not efficiently generate bactericidal free radicals, especially in closed loop systems.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a combination of plasma electric discharge and hydrogen peroxide vaporization to generate bactericidal free radicals, which are recirculated in a closed loop system for sterilization, along with a blower and filter to manage airflow and neutralize radicals, and can be used in both rotating and stationary chambers, including a wound chamber for healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high temperature sterilization is used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but heat-sensitive devices are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the sterilization mechanism from thermal to chemical by using free radicals generated through plasma electric discharge or hydrogen peroxide vaporization. This parameter change allows sterilization to occur at atmospheric pressure and low temperatures, effectively resolving the contradiction between sterilization effectiveness and heat sensitivity of devices
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/thermal sterilization system with a chemical field-based system using free radicals. The plasma electric discharge generator or hydrogen peroxide vaporizer creates a chemical environment that sterilizes without requiring high temperatures, thus protecting heat-sensitive devices while maintaining sterilization effectiveness
2Device complexity
If open loop VHP system is used, then system complexity is reduced, but sterilization efficiency decreases due to vapor exhaustion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a closed loop system where the carrier gas is recirculated through the sterilization chamber and back to the vaporizer. This feedback mechanism allows the system to reuse the carrier gas and maintain consistent VHP concentration, improving sterilization efficiency while managing system complexity through automated recirculation and control
Solution Approach 2:
The closed loop recirculation system ensures continuous exposure of items to VHP by repeatedly cycling the carrier gas through the sterilization chamber. This continuous action maintains high VHP concentration levels and ensures thorough sterilization, addressing the efficiency limitation of single-pass open loop systems
3Quantity of substance
If closed loop recirculation is used, then free radical concentration is increased, but system complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier gas serves multiple functions: it transports VHP from the vaporizer to the sterilization chamber, facilitates recirculation to maintain free radical concentration, and acts as a medium for heat transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and minimizes overall complexity while achieving high free radical concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier gas acts as an intermediary that enables the closed loop recirculation system to function. It mediates between the VHP generation, distribution, and recirculation processes, allowing the system to maintain high free radical concentration without requiring direct contact between all components, thus managing complexity
4Object-affected harmful factors
If catalytic destroyer is used to eliminate VHP, then safety is improved, but loss of substance increases due to VHP destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial destruction of VHP through the catalytic destroyer rather than complete elimination. By positioning the destroyer at specific locations and controlling its operation, the system achieves sufficient safety by removing excess VHP while allowing some to remain for continued sterilization effectiveness, thus balancing safety requirements with substance conservation
Data Source
AI summary
A free radical sterilization system having a chamber defining a region, and a generator for generating free radical reach effluent from a free radical electric generator and/or a vaporizer. A closed loop circulating system without a free-radical destroyer is provided for supplying the mixture of free radicals from the electric generator mixed with the hydrogen peroxide solution in the form of the effluent to the chamber. The free-radical sterilization system is used in sterilizing items in the chamber and, with an open-bottomed wound chamber, in treating wounds on a body.