Protected Seal for Filtered Vent in Sterilization Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid sterilization containers with filtered vents are prone to contamination due to compromised bacterial barriers when retained moisture is present, especially during handling and storage, as existing seals are unprotected and susceptible to damage, leading to fluid and particulate pathways that compromise sterility.
Innovation Solution
A protected seal is created around the vent of the sterilization container using a recessed gasket on the interior and a ridge on the exterior, which protects the filter and gasket from damage, ensuring a fluid-tight and particulate-tight seal even after sterilization, allowing for multiple uses without compromising sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filtered vent is used in the sterilization container, then sterilization media can enter and displaced atmosphere can exit during sterilization, but the filter assembly is vulnerable to damage from retained moisture and handling, compromising bacterial barrier properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by creating a recess in the container lid that accommodates the filter assembly, protecting it from direct exposure to moisture and mechanical damage during handling. The recess acts as a protective cavity that prevents water accumulation and physical stress on the filter, maintaining its bacterial barrier integrity throughout storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a protective rim or flange that extends from the container lid over the filter assembly. This intermediary structure shields the filter from direct contact with contaminants and moisture while allowing the filter to perform its primary function of maintaining bacterial barrier properties.
2Reliability
If the filter assembly is exposed to retained moisture during handling and storage, then the bacterial barrier properties are compromised, but providing protection increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lid structure into distinct functional zones: a recessed area that houses and protects the filter assembly, and a protective rim or flange that extends outward to provide additional shielding. This segmented design allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing comprehensive protection against moisture and contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the nested doll principle by placing the filter assembly inside a recess cavity in the lid, effectively nesting it within the container structure. This nesting arrangement protects the filter from external moisture and mechanical damage while maintaining a compact, integrated design that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If the vent is unprotected, then the structure remains simple, but fluid and particulate pathways form around the vent, compromising container safety for multiple uses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using a flexible gasket or sealing element that fits within the recess and around the vent opening. This flexible sealing component creates a fluid-tight barrier that prevents moisture and particulate contamination from entering the container, while the recessed design keeps the gasket protected from damage. The flexible film approach maintains simplicity while achieving reliable sealing.
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 protected seal effectively prevents contamination by maintaining sterility during storage, handling, and transport, even when moisture is retained, ensuring the integrity of the sterilization process and extending the container's usability.
Implementation Method 1
a gasket that forms a critical part of the seal is nested in a recess that surrounds the vent
Implementation Method 2
These special filter materials are characterized by the property that they are porous at elevated temperatures to allow sterilization media to pass and non-porous at lower temperatures
Implementation Method 3
As the sterilizing media is introduced into the sealed container, condensation can form and collect inside the container. Retained moisture in the form of condensation may be a by-product of either steam autoclaving or alternative low temperature sterilization methods
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization container having a recess that surrounds a vent and a gasket in the recess and a filter cover that has a ridge matching the recess such that when the cover is locked in place, the cover ridge fits into the container recess and applies pressure against the gasket.