Sterilized Connection Apparatus Decontamination Space Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilized connection apparatuses require complex procedures and take time to decontaminate the decontamination space due to its small capacity and inefficient circulation of vaporized decontamination medium, especially when connecting isolators and carry cases.
Innovation Solution
A sterilized connection apparatus with a circular decontamination space surrounding the cover bodies, utilizing a shielding member to divide it into a long and thin pipe line-shaped space, with supply and discharge pipe lines connected to both ends, allowing for efficient and uniform circulation of decontamination medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the decontamination space is formed between separated isolator and carry case, then the decontamination space has small capacity, but it takes time to circulate decontamination medium and remove decontamination components
Solution Approach 1:
The decontamination space is segmented into multiple regions by the shielding member, creating a pipe line-shaped configuration that divides the space into sections. This segmentation allows the decontamination medium to flow through defined pathways, improving circulation efficiency and reducing the time required to clear decontamination components from the space.
2Volume of stationary object
If the decontamination space is formed between separated isolator and carry case, then the decontamination space has small capacity, but the operating procedure becomes complex requiring coupling cover bodies after decontamination
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding member is integrated with either the isolator or carry case structure, merging the decontamination space formation with the existing equipment. This integration eliminates the need for separate coupling operations after decontamination, as the cover bodies can be opened immediately following the decontamination cycle, thereby simplifying the overall operating procedure.
3Productivity
If supply and discharge pipe lines are connected to both ends of pipe line-shaped decontamination space, then decontamination medium circulates efficiently, but requires precise pipe line positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The supply and discharge pipe lines are positioned at substantially the same height level, creating an equipotential arrangement that facilitates natural flow of the decontamination medium. This positioning reduces the need for complex pumping systems and minimizes the precision requirements for pipe line connections, as the gravity-assisted flow helps maintain consistent circulation throughout the decontamination space.
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
Enables quick and effective decontamination of the decontamination space, allowing immediate opening of cover bodies after completion, thus simplifying the operating procedure and enhancing the sterilized transfer process between isolators and incubators.
Implementation Method 1
supplying through a gas sending pipe line, a vaporized decontamination medium to the decontamination space
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A sterilized connection apparatus 4 includes a sealing unit 9 which forms a decontamination space S1 between an isolator 2 provided with a first cover body 11 and an incubator 3 provided with a second cover body 21, a decontamination medium supplying unit 10 which supplies a decontamination medium to the decontamination space S1 via a supply pipe line 41, and a discharge pipe line 43 which discharges the decontamination medium of the decontamination space S1. Further, a cover body connecting unit 8 which couples the first cover body 11 and the second cover body 21 to form a circular decontamination space S1 in the periphery of these bodies is provided, and a shielding member 36 which blocks circulation of the decontamination medium is provided on the inside of the circular decontamination space S1 to divide the circular decontamination space S1 to form a long and thin pipe line-shaped decontamination space S1. In addition, the supply pipe line 41 is connected to both ends of the long and thin pipe line-shaped decontamination space S1, and the discharge pipe line 43 is connected between these ends. Since the decontamination space is formed as a circular decontamination space of a small capacity surrounding the cover bodies, decontamination can be efficiently performed.