Sterilisation Rack Counter-Pressure Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sterilization methods cause deformations in containers due to pressure increases during heating, leading to potential lid separation, leakage, and quality issues, which are costly to address with high-pressure autoclaves and complicate storage and transport.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization rack with a buffer plate and compression unit that applies adjustable counter-pressure to deformable containers, preventing deformation by evenly distributing pressure across multiple holders, allowing for cost-effective sterilization in conventional autoclaves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sterilization heating is applied, then sterilization is achieved, but container deformation occurs due to pressure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rack applies preliminary counter-pressure to the container from the outside before and during heating, preventing the pressure-induced deformation that would otherwise occur during sterilization. The compression unit with adjustable pressure plate creates an opposing force to balance the internal pressure build-up.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack provides a counter-pressure force that balances the internal pressure increase during heating. The buffer spring and compression unit create a counteracting mechanical force that opposes the pressure-induced expansion and deformation of the container walls.
2Shape
If high-pressure autoclave is used to prevent deformation, then container integrity is maintained, but equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rack acts as an intermediary device between the container and the autoclave environment. It provides the necessary counter-pressure locally at the container level, eliminating the need for the entire autoclave system to operate at high pressure while still preventing deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is a simple, inexpensive mechanical device that can be used in conventional autoclaves. It provides an affordable solution compared to expensive high-pressure autoclaves, and the rack itself can be relatively simple in construction with basic mechanical components.
3Manufacturing precision
If container deformation occurs, then sterilization quality is compromised, but product re-packaging is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
By applying counter-pressure before and during sterilization, the rack prevents deformation that would compromise sealing integrity. This ensures the container maintains its structural integrity and sealing quality throughout the sterilization process, preventing product loss.
4Device complexity
If conventional autoclave is used without counter-pressure, then equipment cost is reduced, but container deformation and lid separation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The rack applies preliminary counter-pressure to prevent the pressure differential that would cause lid separation and sealing failure. By opposing the internal pressure build-up from the outside, it maintains sealing integrity throughout the sterilization cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression unit and buffer spring create a counterbalancing force that opposes the internal pressure increase, preventing the lid from being pushed away from the container body and maintaining reliable sealing throughout the sterilization process.
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
Ensures container integrity and sterility without deformation, facilitating easy stacking and transport, and enabling large-scale, cost-effective sterilization of various container sizes and quantities.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure inside the container increases. This increase in pressure can cause a deformation of the container
Implementation Method 2
A sterilisation rack with a buffer plate and compression unit that applies adjustable counter-pressure to deformable containers
Implementation Method 3
During sterilisation, these containers are placed in a medium which is heated to a certain temperature
Implementation Method 4
the pressure inside the container increases. This increase in pressure can cause a deformation of the container
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention concerns a sterilisation rack (10) for holding containers containing articles to be sterilised. Sterilisation is generally carried out in a raised temperature environment, which may cause the containers to become deformed due to an increase in pressure within the containers during the sterilisation process. Embodiments of the present invention provide a simple and inexpensive method for countering the deformation of the containers during sterilisation through the use of a novel sterilising rack design for holding the containers.