Sterilization Container with Integrated Drying and Constant Temperature Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sterilization containers for household items lack an integrated drying function and automatic control, leading to water stains and re-contamination of sterilized articles due to separate manual control of sterilization and drying processes.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent sterilization method and container that automatically performs sequential sterilizing, drying, and constant temperature aseptic storage using a microprocessor-controlled release of ultraviolet light and hot air, maintaining a preset warm temperature to prevent re-contamination and ensure easy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sterilization and drying are performed as separate manual processes, then sterilization effectiveness is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring separate artificial control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sterilization and drying functions into a single integrated device. The sterilization container includes both UV sterilization capability and heating air duct for drying, allowing both functions to be performed in one device rather than requiring separate manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automatic sequential control where the sterilization process is followed automatically by the drying process without requiring manual intervention. The microprocessor controls the sequence: first UV sterilization, then heating for drying, eliminating the need for separate artificial control while maintaining effectiveness.
2Reliability
If sterilized articles are stored at room temperature after sterilization, then energy consumption is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to re-contamination from residual bacteria and environmental bacteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous low-level sterilization and heating after the main sterilization cycle completes. The microprocessor controls continuous release of small amounts of sterilization medium and hot air to maintain constant temperature and aseptic conditions in the storage cavity, preventing re-contamination while articles are stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from high-intensity intermittent sterilization to low-intensity continuous maintenance mode. After the initial sterilization cycle, the system switches to a maintenance phase with reduced energy consumption, continuously releasing small amounts of sterilization medium and hot air to maintain aseptic conditions without the high energy cost of full sterilization cycles.
3Reliability
If sterilized articles are kept in a dry environment, then prevention of re-contamination is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to inability to remove water stains on sterilized articles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs drying as a preliminary action immediately after sterilization before the articles are removed. The heating air duct activates after UV sterilization to evaporate water from the articles, ensuring they are completely dry and free of water stains before the user retrieves them, eliminating the need for separate manual drying.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges sterilization and drying into a single integrated process sequence. Both functions are performed within the same device in automatic succession, ensuring articles emerge both sterilized and dry, preventing re-contamination while removing water stains without requiring separate manual operations.
4Reliability
If constant temperature aseptic storage is maintained continuously, then reliability of preventing re-contamination is improved, but use of energy increases due to continuous release of hot air and sterilization medium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters from high-intensity intermittent sterilization to low-intensity continuous maintenance mode. After the initial sterilization cycle, the system switches to a maintenance phase with reduced energy consumption, continuously releasing small amounts of sterilization medium and hot air to maintain aseptic conditions without the high energy cost of full sterilization cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by releasing only small amounts of sterilization medium and hot air during the storage phase, rather than full doses. This partial continuous release is sufficient to maintain aseptic conditions and prevent bacterial propagation while consuming significantly less energy than continuous full sterilization.
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 solution enables automatic sterilization, drying, and aseptic storage in one control, preventing bacterial propagation and providing a warm temperature indication for the user, ensuring the sterilized articles remain sterile and comfortable to handle.
Implementation Method 1
the sterilization medium is ultraviolet light
Implementation Method 2
releasing hot air to the article storage cavity
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent sterilization method and a sterilization container are disclosed, the intelligent sterilization method comprising: after an intelligent sterilization instruction is issued, the sterilization container sequentially performs the following steps: a sterilizing and drying step, releasing sterilization medium and hot air to an article storage cavity containing a sterilized article, and sterilizing and drying the sterilized article; and a constant temperature aseptic storing step, continuously releasing a small amount of hot air and a small amount of sterilization medium to the article storage cavity to maintain the sterilized article in the article storage cavity at a preset constant temperature and an aseptic condition; wherein the constant temperature is defined as when the sterilized article is in contact with the human body, the human body feels warm and not uncomfortable. The sterilization container includes an article storage cavity, an illumination device, a heating air duct, a microprocessor, and a memory.