Sterile Water Dispersion System with Segmented Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for dispersing sterile water in allograft processing centers lack control and efficiency, leading to wasted water and risks of microbial contamination due to fixed flow rates and proximity of water delivery equipment to the processing field.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple fluid outlets, including an adjustable first fluid outlet for unimpeded water flow and a second fluid outlet for separate, controlled water streams, preventing microbial backflow and allowing technicians to multitask while conserving sterile water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a loop circulation system is used to transport sterile water throughout the processing center, then sterile water can be delivered to the processing field, but water waste occurs and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The water delivery system is segmented into multiple independent outlets (first fluid outlet, second fluid outlet, third fluid outlet) that can be selectively activated. This allows water to be delivered only to specific areas where needed, rather than circulating water throughout the entire processing center, thereby reducing water waste while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If water delivery equipment is positioned close to the processing field for easy access, then technicians can easily control water flow, but microbial backflow risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary mechanism (the selectively operable outlets with their specific positioning and flow control features) between the water supply and the processing field. This intermediary structure allows easy control of water flow while preventing direct contact that could enable microbial backflow, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and safety.
3Device complexity
If a single fluid outlet is used for water delivery, then the system is simple to operate, but technicians cannot multitask and water distribution control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single fluid outlet is segmented into multiple independent outlets (first, second, and third fluid outlets) with selective operability. This segmentation enables technicians to simultaneously control water flow to different areas, facilitating multitasking and improving productivity while keeping each individual outlet simple to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple outlets collectively provide multi-functionality, allowing a single water delivery system to serve multiple purposes and multiple processing areas simultaneously. Each outlet can be independently activated based on operational needs, giving technicians the flexibility to multitask without increasing the complexity of each individual control point.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed flow rate outlets are used, then the system is simple to manufacture, but water waste occurs and precision control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The outlets are designed with selective operability, allowing the system to dynamically adapt water flow to actual needs. Rather than using fixed flow rate outlets that continuously deliver water, the selectively operable outlets can be activated or deactivated based on requirements, reducing water waste while maintaining simple manufacturing through standardized outlet designs.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a system and method for dispersing sterile water from a circulating high-purity water system to a processing field containing allograft tissue. One embodiment includes a fluid inlet that is fluidly coupled with and configured to receive sterile water from the water system. The dispersion system also includes at least first and second fluid outlets that are selectively operable to deliver respective first and second fluid streams into different areas of the processing field. At least one of the first and second fluid outlets may be associated with a regulator valve configured to provide an adjustable flowrate to conserve water pulled from the circulating water system to meet the needs of the application taking place within the processing field. Other embodiments are also disclosed.