Sterilization System Vacuum Pump Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sterilization systems, particularly autoclaves, rely on expensive and problematic vacuum pumps for emptying and drying, which are prone to wear and fluid-state changes, and existing alternatives are complex or inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A steam sterilization system that eliminates the need for a mechanical vacuum pump by using a valve system to connect and isolate the sterilization chamber, steam generator, and condenser, leveraging steam condensation to create a thermodynamic effect for evacuation, allowing for effective emptying and drying without mechanical assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vacuum pump is used to empty the sterilization chamber, then the emptying function is achieved, but the system cost increases and reliability decreases due to wear and fluid-state changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vacuum pump from the sterilization system entirely, extracting the problematic mechanical component that causes wear and reliability issues. The emptying function is achieved through a thermodynamic cycle using only the steam generator, condenser, and valve system already present in the autoclave, eliminating the need for separate vacuum pumping equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical vacuum pump system with a thermodynamic system. Instead of using mechanical means to create vacuum, the system uses phase change of water (liquid to vapor to liquid) to create pressure differentials that achieve chamber emptying. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and improves reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If a vacuum pump is used for chamber emptying, then sterilization cycle completion is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase due to moving elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the autoclave's existing components (steam generator, condenser, valves) perform the emptying function without requiring external vacuum pump maintenance. The thermodynamic cycle automatically manages the emptying process through controlled phase changes, eliminating the need for maintenance of mechanical vacuum pump components.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the vacuum pump entirely from the system, the patent eliminates all maintenance requirements associated with vacuum pump moving elements, seals, and mechanical components. The system now only requires maintenance of standard autoclave components that are already part of the basic design.
3Reliability
If a complex hydraulic circuit is used to produce vacuum, then vacuum generation is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the steam generator and condenser serve multiple functions: steam generation for sterilization, steam condensation for drying, and pressure differential creation for chamber emptying. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate vacuum generation equipment and complex hydraulic circuits, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable vacuum generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the vacuum generation function with the existing steam generation and condensation systems. Instead of having separate systems for sterilization and vacuum generation, the patent combines these functions into a unified thermodynamic cycle that uses the same components for multiple purposes, thereby reducing system complexity.
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 achieves efficient emptying and drying of the sterilization chamber, reducing economic and technological issues associated with vacuum pumps, while maintaining optimal sterilization conditions, and can be integrated into existing autoclave circuits with minimal modifications.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging steam condensation to create a thermodynamic effect for evacuation
Implementation Method 2
a steam generator, in which clean water is injected to produce the steam that acts as a working fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A sterilization method and system are disclosed, where a sterilization cycle comprises at least an evacuation step of a sterilization chamber (1) is performed one or more times and provides that, - said chamber (1) is isolated from said condenser (3), - at least a steam generator (2) is operated to inject a predetermined amount of heated steam directly into said condenser (3), - said steam in the condenser (3) is cooled and condensed, so as to reduce its volume and accordingly lower the pressure within said condenser (3) to below that present in said sterilization chamber, - said condenser (3) is placed in communication with said sterilization chamber (1) to perform an evacuation.