Inflatable Seal Cleaning Apparatus for Sterilizer Descaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for cleaning and descaling sterilizing machines are inefficient and can damage equipment, as they often require manual operation with abrasive compounds or glass beads, leading to residue and surface roughening, and lack effective fluid management systems.

Innovation Solution

A portable cleaning apparatus with two tanks for cleaning and rinse fluids, a door assembly that seals against the sterilizer, a vacuum system to draw fluids back into the apparatus, and a rotating spray wand for thorough interior cleaning, along with an air compressor for drying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual grinding/polishing with abrasive compounds is used to remove baked on residue, then the residue can be removed, but the process damages joints, studs and walls of the sterilizer and requires breathing equipment due to dust generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface cleanlinessVSAvoidequipment damage and dust exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical grinding and polishing operations with an automated robotic system that applies cleaning compounds and removes residue through programmed mechanical actions, eliminating the need for technicians to wear breathing equipment and reducing equipment damage risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic system autonomously performs the entire cleaning process including applying compounds, agitating residues, and removing debris without requiring continuous manual intervention or breathing protection for operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If glass bead blasting under air pressure is used to descale chamber walls, then descaling is achieved, but the surface is left roughened and requires separate ventilation hood equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface smoothnessVSAvoidsurface roughening and dust exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces glass bead blasting with a robotic system that uses controlled mechanical agitation and compound application to remove scale while maintaining surface smoothness, eliminating the need for ventilation hoods and preventing surface roughening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic system controls the intensity and duration of mechanical agitation to achieve effective descaling while preserving surface smoothness, unlike aggressive glass bead blasting that inevitably roughens surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If manual cleaning processes are used, then cleaning can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning cycle duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system autonomously performs all cleaning operations including compound application, agitation, and debris removal without requiring continuous manual intervention, significantly reducing labor time and increasing cleaning efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic system can operate continuously through programmed sequences, maintaining consistent cleaning action throughout the process without the interruptions and fatigue associated with manual operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 efficiently descales and cleans sterilizer interiors with a mechanized process, reducing manual labor and damage risks, while ensuring thorough fluid management and surface drying, resulting in a durable and effective cleaning solution.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum system to draw fluids back into the apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

an air compressor for drying

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

a rotating spray wand for thorough interior cleaning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS20240082894A1Cleaning Apparatus for Descaling Sterilizing Machines

Publication Date: 2024.03.14 MORALES MIGUEL A

AI summary

A cleaning apparatus having a door assembly sealable against the door opening of the sterilizing machine by an inflatable seal connected to an air chuck on the cleaning apparatus is operable to descale a sterilizing machine. The cleaning apparatus includes separate tanks for storing and dispensing cleaning fluid and rinse fluid. A pump associated with each tank sends fluid into the spray wand for distribution within the sterilizer machine. A vacuum is created within the corresponding tank and to draw fluid from the sterilizer machine back into the selected tank. The spray wand can be moved linearly and rotationally to direct the fluid throughout the interior of the sterilizing machine with the fluid being recycled back into the tank through a vacuum port. A selector valve on the cleaning apparatus allows the selection of cleaning fluid or rinse fluid to be drawn into the sterilizing machine.