Microwave Steam Steriliser Valve and Mounting Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave steam sterilizer devices face limitations in space utilization and pose a risk of user injury due to steam valve placement, which can cause burns.
Innovation Solution
A sterilizer device with a base portion, removable cover, and mounting arms that allow for efficient item placement and steam venting away from the user, featuring modular arms for customizable configuration and steam valves that direct steam and excess water away from the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a steam valve is used in the steriliser assembly, then steam sterilisation can be achieved, but harmful burns may occur to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The vent openings are positioned on the cover portion to direct steam away from the user, reversing the conventional approach where steam release might face the user. This inversion of steam flow direction maintains sterilisation effectiveness while eliminating the burn hazard.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover portion acts as an intermediary element between the steam source and the user. It provides a physical barrier and redirects steam through vent openings, preventing direct contact between steam and the user while maintaining the sterilisation process.
2Ease of operation
If the mounting portion has fixed configuration, then item placement is simple, but space utilization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting portion is divided into multiple independent mounting arms that can be individually adjusted or reconfigured. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement of items to maximize space utilization while maintaining simple operation through modular adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arms are designed to be adjustable in position and orientation, transforming the fixed configuration into a dynamic system. This allows the mounting structure to adapt to different item sizes and shapes, improving space utilization while keeping operation simple through straightforward adjustment mechanisms.
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 device provides safe and efficient steam sterilization with reduced risk of burns and improved space utilization, allowing for secure item retention and easy handling, while enabling controlled steam release and safe drainage of excess water.
Implementation Method 1
The steriliser assembly is then passed through a microwave, which converts the contained water to steam at high temperatures, resulting in steam sterilisation of the contained items.
Implementation Method 2
the vents operable to allow steam to exit the device towards the base portion
Implementation Method 3
the vents further operable to allow any excess water to be drained from the device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A sterilising device is described, for sterilising items through steam sterilisation. The device has a base and a cover that couple to form an enclosed space, with an item mount provided within the enclosed space. A portion of water is provided in the base portion, which can be converted to steam in a microwave to sterilise any items placed on the mount. The device further employs several downward- facing valves to provide for the release of steam and the draining of excess or heated water.