Helical Airflow Sterilizer Chamber for Faster Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric steam sterilizers for baby feeding equipment take a long time to dry due to the use of low-power heating elements and fans, which prolong the drying process, making them inconvenient for frequent use.
Innovation Solution
A sterilizing apparatus utilizing a helical air flow generated by shaped nozzles and a combination of axial and helical air flows to reduce drying time, combined with a forced air flow device and steam generation for efficient sterilization and drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If low power heating elements are used to heat water to produce steam, then energy consumption is reduced, but the sterilisation and drying process takes a considerable amount of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sterilisation and drying functions into a single integrated process. The sterilisation chamber serves dual purposes: first for steam sterilisation, then for hot air drying without requiring separate equipment or procedures, thereby reducing total process time while maintaining energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs periodic action by sequentially operating the heating element for steam generation, then switching to fan-driven hot air circulation for drying. This periodic operation of different components (heating element on/off, fan speed variations) optimizes both energy consumption and process time by activating only the necessary function at each stage
2Loss of time
If a fan is added to direct air into the device to speed up drying, then drying time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan serves multiple functions within the apparatus: it circulates air during the sterilisation phase to distribute steam evenly, and then drives the hot air circulation during the drying phase. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reduced drying time
Solution Approach 2:
The fan operates with variable speed control, adjusting its rotation speed according to the operational phase (sterilisation or drying) and environmental conditions. This dynamic operation allows the single fan component to adapt to different requirements, reducing drying time while avoiding the need for multiple fixed-speed fans or complex mechanical structures
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the sterilisation process is completed and equipment is allowed to cool and dry naturally, then energy consumption is reduced, but the cooling and drying process takes a long time
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus maintains continuous useful action by immediately transitioning from the sterilisation phase to the drying phase without interruption or natural cooling period. The fan continues to circulate air, now functioning to remove moisture from sterilised equipment, ensuring that the equipment is ready for use as quickly as possible while consuming minimal additional energy
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus changes operational parameters by adjusting fan speed and heating element power levels according to the phase of operation. During drying, the fan operates at optimized speeds and the heating element provides supplemental heat if needed, creating optimal conditions for rapid drying with minimal energy input compared to natural drying processes
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 significantly reduces drying time by up to 50%, ensuring quick turnaround times for sterilized baby feeding equipment, enhancing convenience and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator arranged to direct steam into the chamber
Implementation Method 2
The steam sterilises the feeding equipment killing almost all bacteria which may be present on the equipment
Implementation Method 3
the drying and cooling of the equipment can take a long time
Implementation Method 4
a forced air flow device arranged to direct air into the chamber
Implementation Method 5
a helical air flow formed by the at least one outlet may create an airflow within the chamber which is particularly well suited to quickly drying objects placed in the chamber
Implementation Method 6
The helical flow of air formed by the at least one outlet may be capable of sufficiently drying an object placed on the at least one nozzle
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (2), for sterilising objects, comprising a chamber (12), for housing objects to be sterilised and a sterilisation means for sterilising objects within the chamber (12). The apparatus (2) further comprises a forced air flow device arranged to direct air into the chamber (12) and at least one nozzle (16) extending into the chamber (12) and arranged to direct air from the forced air flow device. The at least one nozzle (16) comprises at least one outlet (26) arranged to direct air along and around an axis of the nozzle (16) to thereby create a helical flow of air.