In-Chamber Steriliser Test Device With Sensor Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilizers with pre-vacuum systems face issues of bulky design, slow condensate removal, and inefficient measurement of sterilization effectiveness due to test devices located outside the sterilization chamber, leading to potential inaccuracies and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A sterilizer with a test device entirely within the sterilization chamber, featuring a sensor and cooling system, allows for direct measurement and efficient condensate evaporation, using a probe and sensor arrangement for precise sterilization process evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the test device is located outside the sterilization chamber, then the design is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the device becomes bulky and condensate removal is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the test device from the conventional external position and relocates it entirely within the sterilization chamber. This extraction from the traditional configuration enables direct exposure to sterilization conditions and facilitates rapid condensate removal through the chamber's vacuum system, while the compact internal design maintains manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the test device from a three-dimensional external arrangement to a compact internal configuration within the sterilization chamber. This dimensional repositioning allows the device to leverage the chamber's existing vacuum and heating systems for efficient condensate removal, achieving rapid drying without requiring external bulky components
2Ease of manufacture
If the test device is located outside the sterilization chamber, then the device is easier to manufacture, but measurement precision and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the test device from external positioning and relocates it within the sterilization chamber environment. This extraction enables direct measurement of sterilization parameters (temperature, pressure, steam saturation) under actual operating conditions, significantly improving measurement precision and reliability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through compact design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the test device as an intermediary element positioned within the sterilization chamber to directly measure sterilization effectiveness. This intermediary placement allows real-time monitoring of temperature, pressure, and steam saturation conditions, providing accurate data on sterilization process quality without requiring external complex measurement systems
3Ease of repair
If the test device is located outside the sterilization chamber, then maintenance is easier, but the device becomes bulky and less versatile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the test device from external positioning and relocates it within the sterilization chamber. This extraction enables the device to serve multiple functions including sterilization monitoring, condensate detection, and process validation, significantly enhancing versatility. Maintenance remains feasible through standardized components and accessible positioning within the chamber
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the test device with multi-functionality, enabling it to perform sterilization monitoring, condensate detection, temperature measurement, and pressure monitoring all within the sterilization chamber. This universal design increases versatility and adaptability to different sterilization processes while maintaining a compact form factor that does not compromise maintenance accessibility
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
Facilitates compact design, efficient sterilization process monitoring, and easy maintenance with direct measurement capabilities, ensuring reliable and cost-effective operation.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling system for cooling the test specimen
Implementation Method 2
a sensor for measuring at least one parameter
Implementation Method 3
A probe can be designed as a hollow body for conducting sterilization agents, in particular steam and/or other gases
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A steriliser comprises a sterilisation chamber (1) with a test device (2) for testing the effectiveness of a sterilisation process. The test device (2) in turn comprises a test element (3) with a sensor (4) for measuring at least one parameter, and cooling means (5) for cooling the test element (3). The test device (2) as a whole is accommodated completely within the interior (6) of the sterilisation chamber (1).