Stainless Steel TC Bracketing to Prevent Washer Dislodgment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Equipment in washers often becomes dislodged during disinfecting cycles, leading to costly and time-consuming re-washing due to the expansion of conventional plastic Tri-Clamp connectors in caustic and acidic environments.
Innovation Solution
A bracketing device composed of stainless steel, designed to secure TC connectors, which maintains grip and prevents equipment dislodgment by wrapping around and applying compressive forces to ensure equipment remains secured throughout the disinfecting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional plastic Tri-Clamp connectors are used to secure equipment in washers, then the connectors are easy to manufacture and install, but they expand in caustic and acidic environments causing equipment dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from plastic to stainless steel, which fundamentally alters the connector's response to chemical environments. Stainless steel does not expand in caustic and acidic solutions like plastic does, thereby maintaining securement reliability while remaining manufacturable through standard metal fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The bracketing device combines stainless steel structural components with securement mechanisms designed to work with TC connectors, creating a composite system that leverages the corrosion resistance of stainless steel while maintaining the functionality needed for equipment securement in harsh washer environments
2Ease of operation
If conventional plastic Tri-Clamp connectors are used to secure equipment, then the initial setup is simple, but equipment becomes dislodged during disinfecting cycles requiring re-washing
Solution Approach 1:
Changing from plastic to stainless steel connectors eliminates the expansion issue during disinfecting cycles, ensuring equipment remains securely held throughout the entire washing process including harsh chemical exposure, thereby preventing dislodgment and eliminating the need for re-washing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent avoids the need for disposable or temporary securement solutions by implementing a durable stainless steel bracketing device that provides long-term reliable securement, eliminating the cycle of dislodgment and re-washing that would otherwise be required
3Reliability
If stainless steel bracketing device is used to secure connectors, then equipment remains secured throughout disinfecting process, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracketing device is divided into distinct functional segments: the stainless steel bracket structure providing corrosion resistance, the securement mechanism for attaching to TC connectors, and the positioning components for holding equipment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The bracketing device acts as an intermediary between the washer rack and the equipment being washed, providing a stable, corrosion-resistant connection interface that translates the structural support of the rack into reliable equipment securement throughout the disinfecting process
4Productivity
If equipment is not securely held during washing, then the washing process is simple, but dislodgment occurs leading to costly and time-consuming re-washing
Solution Approach 1:
The material change to stainless steel eliminates the harmful expansion effect that occurs with plastic connectors in caustic and acidic environments, preventing the dislodgment chain reaction that would otherwise require costly and time-consuming re-washing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The bracketing device applies preliminary anti-action by pre-counteracting the dislodgment forces that occur during disinfecting cycles. The stainless steel construction and securement mechanism work together to prevent equipment movement before harmful dislodgment can occur, maintaining productivity by eliminating re-washing needs
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 bracketing device effectively secures equipment, preventing dislodgment and reducing the need for re-washing, thus minimizing operational costs and time by maintaining the integrity of the TC connectors in harsh washer conditions.
Implementation Method 1
applying compressive forces to ensure equipment remains secured throughout the disinfecting process
Data Source
AI summary
A bracketing device configured to secure a connector, the bracketing device including: a first side section comprising: a first subsection comprising a first supporting bracket; a second subsection connected to the first subsection, wherein the second subsection comprises a first securing bracket pair; and a third subsection connected to the second subsection; a second side section comprising: a fourth subsection comprising a second supporting bracket; a fifth subsection connected to the fourth subsection, wherein the fifth subsection comprises a second securing bracket pair; and a sixth subsection connected to the fifth subsection; and an end connecting section positioned between the first side section and the second side section, wherein the end connecting section comprises an end bracket.