Sterilization Device Using Dynamic Pressure Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilization methods, such as ETO and gamma radiation, are unsuitable for certain objects due to high temperatures, excessive costs, and environmental concerns, and existing ozone-based methods are limited in their ability to effectively sterilize complex or closed systems like long hose systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize varying support pressures to introduce a sterilization agent, such as ozone or hydrogen peroxide, into a sterilization chamber, allowing for regional sterilization of objects with difficult-to-reach areas by creating a mist-like atmosphere through pressure changes, ensuring thorough coverage and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ETO sterilization is used, then sterilization effectiveness is achieved, but environmental harm and material damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ozone, a strong oxidant, as the sterilization agent to replace ETO. Ozone effectively sterilizes medical hose systems and other sensitive objects without causing the environmental pollution and material degradation associated with ETO. The ozone is generated in-situ and decomposes into oxygen, eliminating harmful residues.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional ozone sterilization is used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but sterilization completeness in complex systems is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic pressure cycling within the sterilization chamber, alternating between vacuum and positive pressure phases. This dynamic pressure variation drives the sterilization agent through complex hose systems, ensuring complete penetration and sterilization of all regions including lumens and closed ends, while maintaining environmental friendliness through ozone decomposition.
3Volume of moving object
If high pressure is applied during sterilization, then penetration into hose lumens is improved, but sterilization agent concentration at hose ends is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pressure cycling, alternating between vacuum phases (which draw sterilization agent toward hose ends by creating negative pressure) and positive pressure phases (which push the agent into hose lumens). This periodic action ensures both deep lumen penetration and adequate end concentration, resolving the concentration gradient problem.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If vacuum sterilization is used, then material damage is prevented, but sterilization effectiveness in closed systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines vacuum conditions with dynamic pressure cycling and ozone generation. The vacuum phase prevents material damage by avoiding high static pressure, while the subsequent positive pressure phases driven by ozone generation ensure complete penetration into closed and complex hose systems, achieving both material safety and sterilization effectiveness.
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 approach enables safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly sterilization of complex objects like medical hose systems, preventing damage and ensuring all regions are sterilized, providing a cost-effective alternative to gamma radiation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first support pressure and at least one second support pressure are applied... a sterilization of at least one first region of the object takes place by the sterilization agent at the first support pressure and a sterilization of at least one second region of the object takes place at the second support pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for sterilizing at least one object, wherein the object is exposed to a sterilization agent, wherein at least one first support pressure and at least one second support pressure are applied and wherein a sterilization of a first region of the object takes place by the sterilization agent at the first support pressure and a sterilization of a second region of the object takes place at the second support pressure.The present invention furthermore relates to a sterilizing apparatus and to a use herefor.