Steam Sterilizer Pressure Vessel Clamping Without Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steam sterilizers are complex, costly, and environmentally unfriendly due to their reliance on welding processes, which require extensive post-processing and can lead to material corrosion and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A steam sterilizer design that connects the pressure vessel and jacket element without welding, using a fluid-tight sealing mechanism such as an elastomer seal or clamping element, allowing for easier manufacturing, reduced material usage, and improved sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding processes are used to connect the pressure vessel and jacket element, then a pressure-tight connection is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clamping element as an intermediary component that mechanically connects the pressure vessel and jacket element without welding. The clamping element applies radial clamping force to secure the connection, eliminating the need for complex welding processes while maintaining pressure-tightness through the sealing element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the welding mechanical system with a clamping mechanical system. Instead of using heat and pressure to fuse materials together, the invention uses a clamping element that applies mechanical force to hold the pressure vessel and jacket element together, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If welding processes are used to connect the pressure vessel and jacket element, then a pressure-tight connection is achieved, but material corrosion and durability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element acts as a mediator that eliminates direct contact between dissimilar materials that would require welding. By introducing this intermediate mechanical connection system, the patent avoids creating weld zones that are susceptible to corrosion, thereby improving the long-term durability of the pressure vessel assembly.
3Reliability
If welding processes are used to connect the pressure vessel and jacket element, then a pressure-tight connection is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the energy-intensive welding process with a mechanical clamping system that requires no external energy input during assembly. The clamping element is installed using simple mechanical operations, eliminating the need for power-consuming welding equipment and processes, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption.
4Strength
If welding processes are used to connect connection pieces to the pressure vessel, then a secure connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and post-processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces welding with a mechanical screw connection system for attaching connection pieces to the pressure vessel. This allows connection pieces to be securely fastened using threaded fasteners, eliminating the need for welding operations and subsequent post-processing steps such as grinding or polishing weld seams.
5Strength
If welding processes are used throughout the steam sterilizer assembly, then structural integrity is maintained, but environmental impact and sustainability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically replaces welding operations with mechanical clamping and screw connections throughout the steam sterilizer assembly. This substitution eliminates harmful emissions, energy consumption, and material waste associated with welding processes, thereby reducing the environmental impact while maintaining structural integrity through properly designed mechanical fastening systems.
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 design simplifies production, reduces material costs, minimizes environmental impact, and enhances the sterilizer's durability and maintainability by eliminating weld-related issues and energy inefficiencies.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting element is designed as an elastomer seal
Implementation Method 2
a corresponding clamping element (8) is provided, which radially clamps the pressure vessel (2) and jacket element (3) against one another
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a steam sterilizer comprising a pressure vessel (2) and a jacket element (3) connected to the pressure vessel (2) in a pressure-tight manner, wherein a steam space (4) is formed between the pressure vessel (2) and the jacket element (3). According to the invention, the pressure vessel (2) and the jacket element (3) are connected to each other without welding.