Steam Sterilizer Door Seal System with Backup Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steam sterilizers in high-level containment facilities face challenges with door seals, as passive seals can leak under pressure and active seals may compromise if external pressure is lost, necessitating a reliable sealing system that maintains integrity even during utility failures.
Innovation Solution
A door-seal system for steam sterilizers that utilizes an external pressure source, with a backup pressure source and sensors to ensure the seal remains active, using a seal element that forms a fluid-tight seal and can maintain pressure even if customer-supplied utilities are lost, incorporating a pressure monitoring system to detect leaks and malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a passive seal arrangement is used, then the seal structure is simple, but the seal may leak when the chamber is pressurized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic pressure from a compressed air source to force the seal element against the door, creating an active seal that maintains integrity during pressurization. The pneumatic force overcomes the tendency of the door to be forced away from the seal by chamber pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter on the seal element by applying external pneumatic pressure, transforming the seal from a passive mechanical contact to an active pneumatic-pressed seal that maintains contact under varying chamber pressure conditions.
2Reliability
If an active seal arrangement is used, then the seal integrity is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to utility failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-charging the pneumatic seal element before utility failure occurs. The seal element is pressurized in advance, so when utility failure happens, the seal maintains integrity without requiring continuous external pressure supply during the critical containment period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing a reserve pneumatic supply that can compensate for utility failures. The pre-stored pneumatic pressure acts as a cushion that maintains seal integrity during periods when external utilities are unavailable, protecting against the vulnerability to utility failures.
3Device complexity
If manual mechanical seals are used, then the seal structure is simple, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical sealing mechanisms with a pneumatic system. The pneumatic pressure source and seal element combination is simpler and less expensive to manufacture than precise manual mechanical adjustments and maintenance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic seal system provides self-service by automatically maintaining seal integrity through continuous pneumatic pressure application. The system eliminates the need for manual intervention to maintain sealing, reducing operational complexity and cost while maintaining reliable sealing.
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 system effectively maintains a sealed environment during sterilization cycles, even in the event of utility failures, by using a backup pressure source and sensors to ensure the seal remains active, preventing leaks and ensuring containment, thus enhancing safety and efficiency in high-level contamination facilities.
Implementation Method 1
An operating system is provided for applying pressure to one side of the seal from a first source external to the operating system to force the seal into engagement with the door
Implementation Method 2
Sensing means are provided for monitoring the pressure applied to the seal from the first pressure source. Valve means connect the pressure source to the steam system if the sensing means detects a pressure below a set pressure sufficient to sustain a seal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a sterilizer having a housing defining a sterilization chamber. An opening in the housing communicates with the chamber. A surface surrounds the opening, and a door is movable between one of an open position allowing access to the chamber through the opening and a closed position covering the opening. A seal element is associated with the surface for forming a fluid-tight seal between the door and the surface when the door is in the closed position. An operating system is provided for applying pressure to one side of the seal from a first source external to the operating system to force the seal into engagement with the door. Sensing means are provided for monitoring the pressure applied to the seal from the first pressure source. A second source of pressure is provided in the operating system and is connectable to the seal. Valve means connect the pressure source to the steam system if the sensing means detects a pressure below a set pressure sufficient to sustain a seal between the door and the surface.