Horizontal Collection Tank Layout for Sterilizer Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatment machines for medical and veterinary equipment face difficulties in maintenance due to the bulk of vertically disposed collection tanks, which obstruct access and increase downtime during maintenance interventions.
Innovation Solution
The collection tanks are positioned parallel to the bottom wall of the technical compartment, creating a free space that allows easy access for maintenance and reduces the bulk, enabling easier access through the front or rear entrance for maintenance, repair, and replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If collection tanks are disposed vertically inside the technical compartment, then the machine can accommodate the tanks within limited space, but the tanks obstruct the passage and reduce accessibility for maintenance operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of collection tanks from vertical to horizontal disposal. The tanks are positioned with their longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the bottom wall of the technical compartment, transforming the spatial arrangement from a vertical configuration to a horizontal one. This dimensional change eliminates obstruction of the front access door while maintaining compact space utilization through optimized horizontal placement of the tanks and associated hydraulic components.
2Volume of stationary object
If the technical compartment is made compact to reduce bulk, then the machine size is reduced, but maintenance operations become difficult due to limited space and obstructed passage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by reorienting the collection tanks horizontally within the compact technical compartment. This allows the compartment to maintain its compact dimensions for reduced machine bulk while the horizontal tank arrangement creates sufficient clearance for maintenance personnel to access and service hydraulic components, pumps, and filters through the front access door without obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific free spaces within the compact technical compartment where maintenance operations can be performed. The horizontal tank arrangement locally optimizes the spatial distribution, providing accessible zones for maintenance personnel while maintaining overall compactness of the machine structure.
3Quantity of substance
If vertically disposed tanks are used, then liquid collection capacity is achieved, but the tanks create obstruction that increases maintenance downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains adequate liquid collection capacity by positioning horizontal tanks with their longitudinal axis parallel to the bottom wall, allowing sufficient volume while eliminating vertical obstruction. This orientation change enables maintenance personnel to quickly access hydraulic components without navigating around vertically disposed tanks, thereby reducing maintenance downtime while preserving the required liquid collection capacity.
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
Machine for the treatment (10) of washing, thermal-disinfection and/or sterilization of objects (12), which comprises a treatment chamber (20) and a technical compartment (36) adjacent to the treatment chamber (20). There are one or more tanks (42, 54, 56) for collecting liquid, oblong in shape and with a longitudinal main axis of development (X 1 , X 2 , X 3 ), inside the technical compartment (36). The one or more liquid collection tanks (42, 54, 56) are disposed in the technical compartment (36) so that the respective longitudinal main axis of development (X 1 , X 2 , X 3 ) is essentially parallel to the bottom wall (68) of the technical compartment (36).