Sealable Packaging Sterilization via Vacuum Penetration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sterilization methods require expensive pressure vessels and complex packaging processes, which can lead to recontamination and inefficiencies due to air removal challenges and the need for skilled labor, and do not effectively maintain sterility during storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for sterilization using a sealable packaging device that is vacuum sealed after sterilization, eliminating the need for a pressure vessel and allowing steam sterilant and vacuum to penetrate the packaging for efficient sterilization within the package, ensuring sterility and reducing handling risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pressure vessels and chambers are used for sterilization, then sterilization can be achieved through pressurized high temperature steam, but the equipment becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sterilization process from the conventional pressure vessel chamber and applies it directly within the packaging itself. The packaging is designed with vacuum sealing capability and steam penetration features, allowing the sterilization process to occur inside the package rather than requiring a separate pressure vessel. This eliminates the need for complex pressure vessel infrastructure while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the items, maintains sterility through vacuum sealing, and enables sterilization through steam penetration. By integrating the sterilization capability into the packaging itself, the system eliminates the need for separate conventional sterilization chambers, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If air is removed from the chamber to enable steam penetration, then sterilization effectiveness improves, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is pre-designed with vacuum sealing capability and steam penetration features before the sterilization process begins. The vacuum sealing mechanism is prepared in advance, allowing air to be removed from the package interior before steam is introduced. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for lengthy air removal processes during sterilization, as the vacuum system is already in place and ready to create the necessary conditions for steam penetration.
3Productivity
If items are taken out of the sterilizer immediately after sterilization, then processing time is reduced, but recontamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sterilization process with the packaging system, so that items remain within their packages throughout the sterilization process and are sealed immediately after sterilization. The vacuum sealing mechanism is activated within the package to maintain sterility. This combination eliminates the need for separate handling steps, allowing items to be processed quickly while maintaining sterility through the sealed package environment.
4Reliability
If skilled labor is used for packaging and sterilization processes, then quality control improves, but labor costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is designed to be self-sufficient for the sterilization process. The vacuum sealing mechanism, steam penetration features, and quality control indicators are all integrated into the packaging itself, allowing it to perform sterilization functions without requiring skilled labor. The package maintains its own sterility through the vacuum seal and does not require complex handling or specialized operational procedures, simplifying the overall process while maintaining quality control.
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 significantly reduces sterilization cycle times, minimizes recontamination, and extends the shelf life of sterile items by maintaining them in a sealed, non-porous package, while being cost-effective and easier to manage, with the potential for automated processes and improved logistics.
Implementation Method 1
applying a vacuum to the interior of the sealable packaging
Implementation Method 2
introducing steam sterilant... to sterilize the items inside
Implementation Method 3
sealing the sealable packaging at the completion of the sterilization process... vacuum sealed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method and apparatus for sterilization in which items to be sterilized are placed in an impervious sealable package and the sterilization process is carried out within the package. The apparatus (10) includes a cabinet (18) in which a package (P) preferably with a carrier (11) located within, can be positioned. A snorkel (17) is inserted into the package (P) and via connector (23) vacuum, pressure and sterilant can be applied to the interior of the package (P). A sealing arrangement (14b, 22b) can seal the package closed after the sterilization process has been completed.