Sterilization Device Reactive Oxygen Shielding Resin Platform

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sterilization methods using aqueous hydrogen peroxide or chemicals leave residues, and existing plasma-based sterilization techniques require improvement for enhanced sterilization effects and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A sterilization apparatus utilizing a reactive oxygen irradiation unit with a shielding structure on the irradiation platform, made of resin or non-metal materials, to control the diffusion of reactive oxygen, enhancing sterilization effects by increasing the concentration of reactive oxygen and preventing residue formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional sterilization methods using aqueous hydrogen peroxide or chemicals are used, then sterilization can be achieved, but chemical residues are left on the sterilized surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidchemical residues
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical sterilization methods (aqueous hydrogen peroxide or chemical agents) with a plasma-based sterilization system. The plasma generation unit creates plasma in a process gas (oxygen or air) and irradiates it onto the sterilization target, substituting chemical substances with plasma energy to achieve sterilization without leaving chemical residues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the sterilization mechanism from chemical composition to physical energy state. By controlling plasma parameters (power, gas flow rate, treatment time) and adjusting the plasma generation conditions, the system achieves effective sterilization through physical plasma irradiation rather than chemical contact, eliminating residue problems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If plasma jet is generated by atmospheric electric discharge in process gas containing oxygen, then sterilization can be carried out, but the sterilization effects are insufficient compared to conventional methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization process simplicityVSAvoidsterilization effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the strong oxidizing properties of plasma to enhance sterilization effects. The plasma generation unit creates reactive oxygen species and energetic particles that aggressively attack and destroy microorganisms on the sterilization target surface, providing more effective sterilization than conventional plasma jet methods while maintaining process simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic or controlled plasma irradiation cycles. The plasma generation unit operates in a controlled manner with adjustable power and duration, allowing optimal sterilization effects to be achieved through controlled periodic action rather than continuous exposure, improving both effectiveness and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If metal nozzles are used for plasma jet irradiation, then durability and corrosion resistance are improved, but the diffusion control of reactive oxygen is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent durabilityVSAvoidreactive oxygen diffusion control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a shielding structure as an intermediary element between the plasma source and the sterilization target. This shielding structure (made of resin or non-metal) controls and directs the diffusion of reactive oxygen and plasma particles onto the target surface, improving precision of sterilization while the metal nozzle maintains its durability function for plasma generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 apparatus achieves excellent sterilization effects without leaving chemical residues, improving productivity by simplifying processing steps and effectively sterilizing both internal and external surfaces of objects.

Implementation Method 1

a plasma generation unit for generating plasma in a process gas containing oxygen and for irradiating the plasma onto a sterilization target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

contacting a surface to be treated with the plasma jet and carrying out sterilization (disinfection) by way of energy transfer from the plasma jet to the surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy transfer:

Implementation Method 3

sterilization is carried out by irradiating reactive oxygen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3363471B1Sterilization device and method with the same
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 SUNTORY HLDG LTD
  • EP3363471B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3363471B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3363471B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A sterilization apparatus characterized in that the sterilization apparatus comprises a reactive oxygen irradiation unit for irradiating a reactive oxygen and an irradiation platform on which an object to be sterilized is placed, wherein the irradiation platform satisfies one or more selected from: (A): having a reactive oxygen shielding structure in at least one direction of an upper side, a lower side, or a horizontal direction of the object to be sterilized; (B): being made of a resin and/or made of a non-metal; and (C): being set within a closed space. The sterilization apparatus of the present invention shows excellent sterilization activity, so that it can be suitably used in, for example, sterilization of containers for foodstuff, bottle caps for sealing the openings of containers, medical devices, foodstuffs such as vegetables and meat, and the like.