Multi-Chamber Fluid Sterilizer with Variable Flow Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid sterilization devices rely on one-shot sterilization methods, which have limited sterilization rates, and increasing these rates often requires high-power sterilization sources or complex flow path designs, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sterilizing device with multiple reaction chambers and a communication chamber, where a light source emits sterilization light through the first and second reaction chambers, allowing fluid to flow sequentially, enhancing sterilization efficiency by varying flow velocities and light intensity based on reflection sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If one-shot sterilization method is used, then device complexity is low, but sterilization rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization device is divided into multiple reaction chambers (first reaction chamber, second reaction chamber, communication chamber) that process fluid sequentially. This segmentation allows the fluid to receive multiple sterilization treatments at different locations with varying flow velocities, thereby increasing the overall sterilization rate without requiring excessive complexity in any single chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid undergoes periodic sterilization actions as it passes through different chambers. The flow velocity is intentionally varied between chambers (faster in first chamber, slower in second chamber), creating periodic variations in exposure time and intensity that enhance cumulative sterilization effectiveness.
2Productivity
If high-power sterilization light source is used, then sterilization rate increases, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single high-power light source, the sterilization function is distributed across multiple chambers with separate light sources. Each chamber uses a lower-power light source that operates for a longer duration, achieving the same cumulative sterilization effect at reduced cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The first reaction chamber performs preliminary sterilization at higher flow velocity, reducing the bacterial load before fluid enters the second chamber. This preliminary action allows the second chamber to complete sterilization at lower power requirements, reducing overall cost.
3Productivity
If complex flow path design is used, then sterilization rate increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into distinct chambers with simple individual designs. Each chamber has its own inlet, outlet, and light source arrangement, making each component simple to design and manufacture while the series connection achieves complex sterilization objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts flow velocity between chambers to optimize sterilization. The fluid flows faster through the first chamber and slower through the second chamber, creating dynamic exposure conditions that enhance sterilization without requiring complex static flow path geometry.
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 device achieves a higher sterilization rate compared to single-chamber systems, reducing costs by maintaining constant light source power and extending the sterilization process through multiple interactions, while maintaining efficient fluid flow and light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is configured to emit sterilization light to enter the first reaction chamber and the second reaction chamber
Implementation Method 2
emit sterilization light
Implementation Method 3
The fluid sensor is configured to sense passage of the fluid and a flow velocity of the fluid
Implementation Method 4
The light sensor is configured to receive and sense a reflection light of the sterilization light that is emitted to enter the reaction chamber
Implementation Method 5
The controller is configured to control light intensity of the sterilizing light according to intensity of the reflection light
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sterilizing device includes a first reaction chamber, a second reaction chamber, a communication chamber and a light source. The first reaction chamber is connected to a fluid inlet. The second reaction chamber is connected to a fluid outlet. The communication chamber is connected the first reaction chamber with the second reaction chamber. The light source is configured to emit sterilization light to enter the first reaction chamber and the second reaction chamber. The fluid inlet allows a fluid to enter the first reaction chamber, the communication chamber allows the fluid to pass through and enter the second reaction chamber, and a flow velocity distribution of the fluid in the second reaction chamber is different from that of the fluid in the first reaction chamber.