Magnet Coupling Drive Mechanism for Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aseptic work apparatus drive mechanisms fail to withstand hydrogen peroxide gas sterilization due to corrosion, limiting their operational accuracy and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A drive mechanism featuring a movable block, guide mechanism, and magnet coupling system with permanent and electromagnet components, isolated by a partition wall, allowing for precise positioning and corrosion resistance during oxidizing gas sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive mechanism is exposed to hydrogen peroxide gas sterilization, then sterilization is achieved, but corrosion occurs and the mechanism fails
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is divided into two separate spaces by a partition wall: a protected space containing the drive mechanism isolated from sterilization gas, and a sterilizable space that can undergo hydrogen peroxide gas sterilization. This segmentation allows different parts of the system to have different exposure conditions to sterilization gas.
Solution Approach 2:
A partition wall acts as an intermediary barrier between the sterilizable space and the protected space. The partition wall transmits magnetic force while blocking the passage of hydrogen peroxide gas, allowing the drive mechanism to operate remotely without direct exposure to corrosive sterilization gas.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the drive mechanism is isolated from sterilization gas, then corrosion resistance is improved, but the complexity of the mechanism increases due to partition wall and magnet coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The direct mechanical connection between the drive mechanism and the movable platform is replaced with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets on both sides of the partition wall transmit force through magnetic attraction without physical contact, eliminating the need for mechanical penetrations through the partition wall and maintaining isolation integrity.
3Reliability
If magnets are used for coupling across the partition wall, then corrosion resistance is improved, but positioning accuracy may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system parameters (magnet size, strength, arrangement) are optimized to achieve both adequate force transmission and precise positioning control. The partition wall thickness and material are selected to allow sufficient magnetic force transmission while maintaining structural integrity and isolation effectiveness.
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
Enhances sealability and stability, enabling accurate and long-term operation by preventing contamination and corrosion, thus allowing for reliable hydrogen peroxide gas sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnet coupling mechanism including magnets attracting each other on surfaces (first surfaces) mutually facing the movable block and the movable platform via the partition wall
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a drive mechanism capable of withstanding sterilization treatment using a sterilization gas such as hydrogen peroxide and capable of performing positioning operation with heightened accuracy. In a drive mechanism according to the invention, a movable block disposed in the internal space of a partition wall for blocking a sterilization gas is coupled to a movable platform disposed in the external space of the partition wall by means of a magnet coupling mechanism. Further, biasing magnet units are disposed on surfaces, of the movable block and the movable platform, on which no magnet coupling mechanism is disposed, such that the biasing magnet units serve as magnetic poles repelling each other. Repelling force generated by the biasing magnet units serves as biasing force that biases the movable platform toward the partition wall.