Inductive Heat Sterilizing Systems for Conduit Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for making sterile connections of conduits, particularly with silicone tubing, face issues such as inadequate sterilization, air leaks, and inefficiencies in temperature control, leading to incomplete sterilization and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an insert with inductive heating capabilities, a clamp, and a cradle to achieve sterilization temperatures between 160°C and 350°C for durations of 60 seconds to 300 seconds, ensuring thorough sterilization and reliable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aseptic connectors are used for sterile connections, then sterilization is achieved, but cost increases and shelf life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical aseptic connectors with an inductive heating system that uses electromagnetic fields to sterilize conduit connections. The insert contains an inductive heating element that generates heat through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical aseptic connectors while achieving reliable sterilization.
2Strength
If welding is used for conduit connections, then strong connections are achieved, but silicone tubing cannot be processed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the heating parameters to be suitable for silicone tubing. The inductive heating system controls temperature and time parameters to sterilize silicone conduits without melting or deforming them, achieving both strong connections and material compatibility. The system maintains temperatures below the degradation point of silicone while ensuring thorough sterilization.
3Reliability
If sterilization temperature is increased to ensure thorough sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness improves, but cooling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic inductive heating with controlled cycles. The system heats the conduit connection to sterilization temperature, maintains it for a specified duration, then automatically cools. This periodic action ensures thorough sterilization while minimizing total processing time through optimized heating and cooling cycles.
4Productivity
If inductive heating is applied to sterilize conduit connections, then sterilization speed improves, but temperature control precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensing and feedback control in the inductive heating system. Temperature sensors monitor the conduit connection temperature in real-time, and the control system adjusts the inductive heating power to maintain precise temperature control. This feedback mechanism enables fast sterilization while preventing overheating or under-sterilization.
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 system effectively achieves sterile connections, reduces waste and costs associated with incomplete sterilization, and enhances the reliability of conduit connections by ensuring thorough sterilization and efficient temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive heating device for providing energy to the system
Implementation Method 2
The body may be configured for inductive heating of a connection of the insert and the conduit to a sterilizing temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A system for making a sterile connection of at least one conduit is provided. The system includes a clamp for securing the conduit and for delivering inductive energy to sterilize an interior of the conduit. The system includes an insert for delivering inductive energy to sterilize an interior of the conduit. The system includes a cradle for directly supporting the clamp and indirectly supporting the insert inside the conduit. The system includes an operating system and a device for generating inductive heat. Related methods, apparatuses, devices, systems, techniques and articles are also described.