Self-Contained Sterilization Chamber with Moisture-Activated Polymer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas sterilization methods, including those using chlorine dioxide, require complex and expensive equipment for generating and delivering the sterilizing gas, posing challenges in containment and user safety.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained sterilization system utilizing a polymer composition that generates chlorine dioxide gas upon exposure to moisture, integrated with a fail-deadly locking mechanism to ensure safe and effective sterilization without external equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex equipment is used to generate and deliver sterilizing gas, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gas generation function from external equipment and integrates it directly into the sterilization chamber as a self-contained polymer composition. The chamber no longer requires external gas generation and delivery systems, eliminating the complexity of separate equipment while maintaining sterilization effectiveness through the embedded chlorine dioxide releasing agent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sterilization chamber with the gas generating function by incorporating the chlorine dioxide releasing polymer composition directly into the chamber structure. This integration combines what were previously separate functions (chamber containment and gas generation) into a single unified system, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable sterilization.
2Reliability
If external equipment is used for gas delivery, then sterilization capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the sterilization chamber to generate and deliver its own sterilizing gas through the integrated polymer composition. The system automatically releases chlorine dioxide when activated, eliminating the need for external equipment operation and complex user intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining sterilization capability.
3Reliability
If specialized equipment is used for gas containment, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but loss of substance increases due to containment failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gas containment function with the sterilization chamber structure itself. The chamber is designed as a self-contained unit where the polymer composition is integrated into the walls or flooring, allowing the structure to simultaneously serve as both the sterilization environment and the gas containment barrier. This eliminates the need for separate containment equipment and reduces leakage risks.
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 system provides a safe, efficient, and cost-effective means of sterilizing medical devices and other objects by ensuring containment of the sterilizing gas and preventing unauthorized access during the sterilization process.
Implementation Method 1
A self-contained sterilization system utilizing a polymer composition that generates chlorine dioxide gas upon exposure to moisture
Implementation Method 2
integrated with a fail-deadly locking mechanism to ensure safe and effective sterilization
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems for providing safe, conveniently onsite, quick and effective ways to deliver antimicrobial and antiviral treatment to objects. Further disclosed is an isolation unit for sterilizing objects, the isolation having a lockable hatch that enables access, when unlocked, to a sterilization chamber within the isolation unit. The hatch remains locked until a sterilization operation is completed. Further, the hatch is prevented from being opened until the sterilization operation is completed. This feature prevents potentially harmful sterilizing chemicals from emitting out of the sterilization chamber, among other possible benefits.