Hermetic Chamber Pressure Control via Elastic Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hermetically sealed chambers, such as sterilization casings and pass boxes, face issues with abrupt changes in internal pressure due to the introduction and condensation of hydrogen peroxide vapor, leading to uncontrollable pressure levels and reduced decontamination effectiveness, particularly in containers with small volumes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an inlet and outlet passage system, including aseptic filters and valves, along with a pressure-relaxing mechanism, such as an elastic member or gas storage container, to control internal pressure and maintain it within a prescribed range, preventing abrupt changes and ensuring effective decontamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrogen peroxide vapor is introduced into the sterilization casing for decontamination, then decontamination effectiveness is improved, but internal pressure increases abruptly beyond the allowable range
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure equalization passage is introduced as an intermediary component between the sterilization casing and the external environment. This passage includes a pressure equalization valve that mediates pressure changes by allowing controlled air exchange, thereby preventing abrupt pressure increases while maintaining the hermetic seal and decontamination effectiveness.
2Stress or pressure
If a discharge valve is opened to lower internal pressure when it exceeds the upper limit, then pressure control is improved, but hydrogen peroxide vapor is discharged reducing decontamination effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization passage acts as an intermediary that provides a controlled pathway for pressure regulation without directly discharging the decontaminating vapor. The pressure equalization valve mediates between the high-pressure interior and external environment, allowing pressure equalization while maintaining vapor containment for effective decontamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful effect (abrupt pressure increase) is separated from the useful function (decontamination) by introducing the pressure equalization passage. This extraction allows pressure control to be achieved independently of vapor discharge, enabling pressure regulation while preserving decontamination effectiveness.
3Stress or pressure
If air is introduced to increase internal pressure when it drops below the lower limit, then pressure control is improved, but hydrogen peroxide vapor density decreases reducing decontamination effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization passage serves as an intermediary that provides controlled air exchange pathways. The pressure equalization valve mediates pressure restoration by allowing gradual air intake through the sealed passage, thereby increasing internal pressure while minimizing the introduction of external air that would dilute the hydrogen peroxide vapor concentration.
4Strength
If the hermetically sealed structure is made stronger to withstand high pressure, then pressure resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reinforcing the hermetic seal to withstand high pressure, the pressure equalization passage is introduced as an intermediary pressure relief pathway. This approach allows the original simpler hermetic structure to maintain its integrity while the pressure equalization system provides pressure control through a separate, dedicated passage with a regulated valve mechanism.
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 stabilizes internal pressure, preventing uncontrollable fluctuations and maintaining the decontamination effectiveness by absorbing pressure changes, thus ensuring consistent decontamination within the hermetically sealed chambers.
Implementation Method 1
pressure relaxing means connected to the outlet passage between the hermetically sealed chamber and the outlet valve, for relaxing abrupt pressure changes in the hermetically sealed chamber
Implementation Method 2
an inlet passage connected to an external environment through an aseptic filter, for supplying air to the hermetically sealed chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling an internal pressure of a hermetically sealed chamber at a prescribed pressure level serves to relax pressure changes in the hermetically sealed chamber. The chamber is connected to an inlet passage for supplying air from an external environment through an aseptic filter, an outlet passage for discharging a gas through an aseptic filter, and an inlet valve and an outlet valve for selectively opening and closing the inlet passage and the outlet passage, respectively. The apparatus also includes a controller for controlling the inlet valve and the outlet valve to keep the internal pressure of the chamber at a prescribed positive pressure level. An elastic membrane of silicone rubber which is expanded or retracted depending on a change in the internal pressure of the chamber to relax the pressure change is connected to the outlet passage between the aseptic filter and the outlet valve.