Method and apparatus for sterilizing medical instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma sterilization methods face challenges in efficiently and effectively controlling the specific humidity of gas streams, which is crucial for determining the reactive components generated in plasma sources, making the process cumbersome and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for controlling specific humidity of a gas stream by using a tank with an inflow port for receiving a gas or gas mixture, where the temperature and pressure are adjusted to maintain a desired specific humidity, allowing for precise control without the need for cumbersome moisture removal and addition processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods are used to control specific humidity by removing and adding moisture, then the desired specific humidity can be achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the gas stream (temperature and pressure) to achieve the desired specific humidity directly, rather than removing and adding moisture. By adjusting temperature and pressure parameters, the gas stream's humidity characteristics are modified in a controlled manner, simplifying the process while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional approach of removing moisture first and then adding the desired amount, the patent inverts the process by directly controlling the gas stream's temperature and pressure to achieve the target specific humidity in a single step, eliminating the two-step cumbersome process.
2Ease of operation
If the moisture content of the gas flow is not controlled, then the process is simpler, but the reactive components generated in the plasma source are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains process simplicity by directly adjusting temperature and pressure parameters of the gas stream to achieve the desired specific humidity. This approach ensures consistent reactive components in the plasma source while keeping the operation straightforward, without requiring complex moisture control systems.
3Reliability
If precise specific humidity control is implemented through conventional methods, then the sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces cost by implementing precise specific humidity control through simple temperature and pressure adjustments of the gas stream, rather than using expensive moisture removal and addition equipment. This parameter-based approach maintains sterilization effectiveness while being more economical.
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
This approach enables efficient and effective control of specific humidity, improving the plasma sterilization process by maintaining consistent reactive components, thus enhancing the sterilization efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
plasma devices are being used for ionizing gases or gas mixtures, the ionized gas being used as sterilizing agent. Electrons in the plasma impact on gas molecules causing dissociation and ionization of these molecules
Implementation Method 2
The temperature of the water and/or the pressure of the supplied gas, or gas mixture, are adjusted for the required SH
Implementation Method 3
The temperature of the water and/or the pressure of the supplied gas, or gas mixture, are adjusted for the required SH
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for sterilizing medical instruments, including a device for controlling specific humidity, SH, of flow of a gas or gas mixture. The device includes a tank for storing a volume of water. The tank has an inflow port for receiving the gas or gas mixture, and an outflow port for allowing humidified gas or gas mixture at the required SH to exit the tank. The temperature of the water and/or the pressure of the supplied gas or gas mixture are controlled for the required SH.