Modular Sterilizable Platform With Seamless Self-Cleaning Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilizable equipment for the food and medical industries faces challenges in meeting strict sterility standards due to the need for custom designs, high variability in requirements, and the inefficiency of existing nonsterilizable tables being modified, which often results in costly defects and liability from improper welding and hidden crevices where bacteria can collect.
Innovation Solution
A modular system of preconfigured, sterilizable components made from durable materials that can be permanently joined to form a seamless, downward-angled support frame or platform, eliminating hidden surfaces and crevices, allowing for easy self-cleaning and reducing the need for manual removal of parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard nonsterilizable tables are customized by welding to meet sterile needs, then sterility compliance is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates due to cracking and breaking at welds
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into modular components (table top, legs, cross braces, aprons) that are each separately manufactured to precise specifications with built-in alignment features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for both sterility compliance and structural strength without the compromises of field welding.
Solution Approach 2:
All components are pre-manufactured with precision-machined surfaces, pre-drilled holes, and pre-formed angles that ensure proper alignment and connection before assembly. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for welding during customization, preventing weld-induced cracking while ensuring sterility compliance.
2Reliability
If entire table platforms are shut down for daily sterilization, then sterility standards are met, but productivity deteriorates due to loss of operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The table design incorporates self-cleaning features including downward-angled surfaces that prevent debris accumulation, seamless joints that eliminate bacterial hiding spots, and removable components that facilitate easy cleaning. This self-service design reduces the need for lengthy shutdown sterilization cycles while maintaining sterility standards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom-designed sterilizable equipment is manufactured for each company, then specific needs are met, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides a universal modular platform with standardized components (table tops in various sizes, interchangeable legs, standardized cross braces and aprons) that can be configured to meet different industry requirements. This universal design reduces manufacturing complexity through economies of scale while maintaining adaptability to specific customer needs through modular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows customization through parameter changes rather than design changes - dimensions, materials, and configurations can be adjusted by selecting different modular components from the standardized family, rather than creating entirely custom designs for each application.
4Reliability
If secondary manufacturers weld nonsterilizable tables to achieve sterility, then sterility compliance is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to improper welding techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The welding process is extracted from the customization phase and replaced with precision mechanical connection methods. Components feature pre-formed connection points, precision-machined surfaces, and standardized fastening mechanisms that eliminate the need for secondary welding while ensuring both sterility compliance and manufacturing precision.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, durable, and efficient means of maintaining sterility by preventing bacterial collection and facilitating easy cleaning, reducing labor and maintenance costs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards through seamless connections and angled surfaces that allow for gravitational debris removal.
Implementation Method 1
downward-angled support frame or platform, eliminating hidden surfaces and crevices, allowing for easy self-cleaning and reducing the need for manual removal of parts
Data Source
AI summary
A free standing self sterilizable device and method of construction by connecting together a plurality of connected individual modular components. The individual modular components are provided in such manner to enable multiple configurations in frame structure shape when assembled. The device is self sterilizing by its material composition, its open smooth surface and its downward or horizontal slanting surfaces. The device herein is intended for use in the food or medical industry.