Vacuum Sterilizer Leak Isolation via Segmented Piping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum sterilizer diagnostic systems cannot isolate specific sections where leaks occur, leading to inefficient and time-consuming trial-and-error part replacement and repeated leak detection cycles, which are lengthy and unsafe due to the need for the sterilization chamber to be heated.
Innovation Solution
A leak detection system comprising flexible tubing with connectors and valves that allow selective isolation and pressure sensing of piping sections within the vacuum sterilization chamber, enabling individual testing of isolated sections without heating the chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the existing leak detection cycle is used to detect leaks in the sterilizer, then a leak can be detected, but the system cannot isolate specific sections where the leak occurs, requiring time-consuming trial-and-error part replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilizer system is divided into multiple isolated sections using closure members (caps or valves) that can seal off individual piping sections, chambers, or components. This segmentation allows the leak detection process to focus on one section at a time, eliminating the need for trial-and-error replacement of entire assemblies and significantly reducing troubleshooting time while maintaining leak detection precision.
2Reliability
If the sterilization chamber is heated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit for leak detection, then the leak detection cycle can be performed under normal operating conditions, but the chamber must be cooled before maintenance work can begin, adding time and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
By isolating specific sections with closure members, the leak detection can be performed on individual sections without heating the entire sterilization chamber. This eliminates the need for prolonged heating and subsequent cooling periods, reducing the total time required while maintaining reliable leak detection capability through targeted section-by-section testing.
3Reliability
If the sterilization chamber is heated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit for leak detection, then the leak detection cycle can operate under normal conditions, but service personnel face safety risks and potential damage to parts when working on hot components
Solution Approach 1:
The ability to isolate and test individual sections without heating the entire chamber eliminates exposure to high temperatures during maintenance operations. Service personnel can work on cooled, isolated sections, removing thermal injury risks and potential damage to parts while maintaining leak detection reliability through systematic section-by-section testing.
4Reliability
If the entire system including the large-volume sterilization chamber is evacuated for leak detection, then a comprehensive leak detection can be performed, but the process becomes very time-consuming at forty to forty-five minutes per cycle
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of evacuating the entire large-volume sterilization chamber, the system is divided into smaller isolated sections using closure members. Each section can be evacuated and tested independently in a fraction of the time required for a full-system test, dramatically reducing the leak detection cycle time from 40-45 minutes to much shorter durations while maintaining comprehensive leak detection coverage through systematic section-by-section testing.
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 system allows for quicker identification and correction of leaks, reducing troubleshooting time, enabling safer maintenance by allowing leak detection in a cooled state and being adaptable to most existing vacuum sterilizers, while being lightweight and portable.
Implementation Method 1
The leak detection system utilizes a vacuum source within a sterilizer to draw a vacuum on the isolated section
Implementation Method 2
A sensing device is attached to the tubing and is operable to measure changes in pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
A leak detection system for use in a vacuum sterilization chamber having a plurality of piping sections that are connected to the sterilization chamber through openings along an inner surface of the sterilization chamber