Surgical Sterilization Container Fluid Extraction Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical sterilization containers with a passage opening in the base and outlet valve face issues such as condensate draining in surges, leading to undesirable cooling and germ entry, and the risk of valve damage or malfunction due to uneven surfaces or objects, making it difficult to detect malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
The sterilization container design features an outlet valve positioned away from the floor, incorporating a fluid lifting device that collects condensate and feeds it laterally to the valve, reducing the risk of surge drainage and enhancing sealing to prevent germ entry, while also allowing for pressure reduction via a secondary flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the outlet valve is arranged on the base to drain condensate, then the condensate can be removed from the container, but the condensate emerges in a surge causing undesirable cooling and germ entry
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid lifting device acts as an intermediary between the condensate collection area and the outlet valve. This device includes a fluid channel that receives condensate from the base and delivers it to the outlet valve in a controlled manner, preventing direct surge drainage while maintaining efficient condensate removal
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet valve is repositioned from the base to the container wall at a distance from the floor, changing the drainage dimension from vertical (through the base) to lateral (through the wall). This dimensional change allows controlled fluid extraction without direct surge exposure to the installation surface
2Ease of operation
If the outlet valve is arranged on the base, then condensate drainage is facilitated, but the valve is susceptible to damage or malfunction from uneven surfaces or objects
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet valve is extracted from its vulnerable position on the base and relocated to the container wall at a distance from the floor. This removal from the installation surface eliminates exposure to uneven surfaces and objects, protecting the valve from damage while maintaining drainage functionality through the fluid lifting device
3Productivity
If the passage opening is arranged in the base, then condensate can be drained, but the sterilization container is insufficiently sealed in case of valve malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The passage opening is relocated from the base to the container wall, changing the sealing dimension from the installation surface interface to the container wall interface. This relocation maintains fluid drainage capability through the fluid lifting device while significantly improving sealing integrity, as the valve on the wall is less susceptible to malfunction from external factors
4Productivity
If the outlet valve is positioned on the base, then condensate removal is direct, but malfunction detection by hospital staff is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid lifting device serves as a visible intermediary component between the base and the outlet valve. Its position and function make it more accessible and observable to hospital staff, improving malfunction detectability while maintaining efficient condensate extraction through its fluid channel
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 effectively removes fluid from the container without surge, reduces mechanical stress, and ensures reliable sealing to prevent germ entry, improving the sterilization process and container integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid lifting device forms a fluid connection from the bottom, on which fluid such as in particular condensate usually collects, so that fluid can be lifted by means of the fluid lifting device and fed to the outlet valve
Implementation Method 2
a valve device which has an outlet valve for releasing and closing the passage opening
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a surgical sterilisation container comprising a base (14) and a container wall (16), wherein a through hole (62) is formed on the sterilisation container (10) for media exchange, and a valve device (58) having an outlet valve (66) for releasing and closing the through hole (62). In order to provide such a surgical sterilisation container, from which fluid formed inside the container can be removed to reduce the risk of germs entering the container interior, the invention proposes that the through hole (62) is formed in the container wall (16) and is at a distance from the base (14), and that the sterilisation container (10) comprises a fluid raising device (92) for creating a fluid communication between the base (14) and the outlet valve (66) and for raising fluid from the base (14) to the outlet valve (66). The invention further relates to a surgical fluid extraction device for use with a surgical sterilisation container comprising a container wall and a base.