Movable Fluid Connecting Part for Disinfection Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disinfection apparatuses face challenges with the connecting parts being obstacles and requiring time-consuming and complicated connection/disconnection processes, especially when moving trolleys or objects in and out of the chamber, and there is a need for a more user-friendly, robust, and cost-effective solution for disinfecting various healthcare objects.

Innovation Solution

A movable first connecting part within the disinfection apparatus, actuated by fluid pressure, allows for automatic connection and disconnection with a second connecting part, reducing the risk of obstruction and simplifying the process, and includes a fluid-arresting position for safety and efficient fluid management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed connecting part is used in the chamber, then fluid connection can be established, but it becomes an obstacle when moving trolleys in and out of the chamber

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid connection reliabilityVSAvoidtrolley movement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting part is made movable instead of fixed, allowing it to adapt its position dynamically. The connecting part can move between a retracted position (when no trolley is present) and an extended position (when a trolley is being positioned), eliminating the obstacle problem while maintaining fluid connection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If manual connection and disconnection of fluid supply is required, then connection can be established, but it is time-consuming and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs the connection operation automatically using the fluid pressure itself to actuate the connecting part. When fluid is supplied to the chamber, the pressure automatically moves the connecting part into the connected position with the trolley, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing connection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Fluid pressure is utilized as the actuating force to move the connecting part. The hydraulic/pneumatic system uses the same fluid being supplied for disinfection purposes to power the mechanical movement of the connecting part, achieving both fluid connection and mechanical actuation simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If the operator must ensure proper connection and disconnection, then connection reliability can be maintained, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages both connection and disconnection operations without requiring operator intervention or verification. The automatic nature of the system maintains reliability through consistent automated execution while reducing operational complexity by eliminating manual steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If a movable connecting part is used, then obstruction risk is reduced, but automatic connection mechanism is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrolley movement easeVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation mechanism uses the fluid pressure system already present in the disinfection chamber, avoiding the need for separate mechanical actuation systems. This leverages existing infrastructure to achieve automatic connection while minimizing additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses itself to actuate the connecting mechanism - the fluid being supplied for disinfection also provides the pressure to move the connecting part. This self-service approach reduces the need for external actuation systems and simplifies the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables simplified and efficient fluid connection and disconnection, reducing operational time and risk of obstruction, while ensuring reliable disinfection of healthcare objects, including those without trolleys, through automatic detection and fluid management.

Implementation Method 1

said first connecting part is movable, under the action of the pressure in said fluid system, between a position disconnected from said holder and a position connected to said active position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS7754166B2Disinfection apparatus with connection device
Publication Date: 2010.07.13 GETINGE DISINFECTION
  • US7754166B2 patent drawing
  • US7754166B2 patent drawing
  • US7754166B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A disinfection apparatus is disclosed for disinfecting fluid cleaning of health care objects and the like. The disinfection apparatus includes a fluid system for supplying fluid to a chamber, an at least partially movably arranged first connecting part with an active and an inactive position, which is adjusted to a mobile object holder, which object holder is to be placed in the chamber and has a second connecting part connectable to the first connecting part. The first connecting part is movable, under the action of the pressure in the fluid system, between a position disconnected from the holder and a position connected to the active position, i.e. to the second connecting part. A fluid connectable mobile object holder is also disclosed, which is adapted to be placed in a chamber of a disinfection apparatus as stated above.