Sampling Point Valve Sterilization Signal Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sampling devices face challenges in preventing microbiological and chemical contamination during fluid sampling due to inadequate hygiene, non-sterile containers, and difficulties in maintaining a dead-space-free design, which can lead to sample falsification and hinder verification of strict regulatory limits.

Innovation Solution

A sampling point valve with a valve body made of high thermal conductivity material, equipped with a shape memory spring device for a signal button that indicates sterilization status, and a design that minimizes dead space and allows for reliable, user-friendly sampling without air contact, using a conical gasket and sterile disposable connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the valve body and signal unit housing are made of high thermal conductivity material for effective heating during sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the risk of burns to the operator and energy loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidburn risk and energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into two distinct parts: the signal button housing made of high thermal conductivity material for effective sterilization, and the outer housing made of insulating material for safety. This segmentation allows each part to serve its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating outer housing acts as an intermediary between the heated signal button housing and the operator's hand, transferring the thermal signal while preventing direct contact with hot surfaces, thus eliminating burn risk while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a dead-space-free design is implemented to prevent contamination, then sample purity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample purityVSAvoiddesign and manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of trying to eliminate all dead spaces through complex routing, the design inverts the approach by using a straightforward linear channel configuration where the sample fluid flows directly from inlet to outlet without unnecessary bends or cavities, achieving dead-space-free design through simplicity rather than complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the shape memory spring device is used to provide visual sterilization indication, then sterilization status detection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization status detectionVSAvoidsignal unit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shape memory spring device automatically responds to thermal treatment by changing its physical state, providing self-indication of sterilization status without requiring external sensors, power sources, or complex control systems. The material itself performs the detection and signaling function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The signal button utilizes color change as a visual indicator of sterilization status, leveraging the thermal-responsive properties of the shape memory material to provide clear, intuitive feedback about whether the sterilization process has been completed effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

Ensures reliable and hygienic fluid sampling by preventing contamination, allowing for complete sterility in fluid-carrying channels without damaging the environment or causing burns, and provides a visual indication of sterilization, enabling accurate and safe fluid flow to sample containers.

Implementation Method 1

The spring device, preferably a shape memory spring device, is supported on the base of the pot-shaped housing and on the collar... the signal button can be advanced out of a housing by a shape memory spring device as it is heated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

The valve body is made of a material with a high thermal conductivity coefficient, preferably a metal... under corresponding heating of the valve body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9995658B2Sampling point valve

Publication Date: 2018.06.12 FIDICA

AI summary

The sampling point valve, with a valve body that is movable in a valve housing between a closed position and an open position of the sampling point valve, wherein the valve body has a sample fluid channel, characterized in that the valve body is made of a material with a high thermal conductivity coefficient, preferably metal, that a signal unit with an essentially pot-shaped housing part made of a material with a high thermal conductivity coefficient, preferably metal, is in contact with the valve body, and that the signal unit includes a signal button that can be advanced out of a housing by a shape memory spring device when this device is warmed.