Sterilizer Test Device Gravity Water Flow Air Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test devices for pre-vacuum sterilization systems, such as autoclaves, face challenges in reliably detecting undesirable non-condensable gases like air, which can affect the quality of steam sterilization, and require complex setups or manual handling for result interpretation.
Innovation Solution
A test device with a receptacle having a filler and an electronic temperature sensor, where the receptacle's surface forms an angle with the horizontal, allowing gravity flow of condensed water, and a casing with high thermal inertia, enabling accurate electronic measurement of temperature differences to detect air presence without manual manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical indicators sensitive to humidity are used to detect undesirable gases, then the detection capability is provided, but the device complexity increases and manual handling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical indicators with an electronic temperature sensor and electronic evaluation unit. The sensor measures temperature in the receptacle, and the evaluation unit automatically determines the presence of undesirable gases based on temperature differences, eliminating the need for chemical reactions and manual interpretation of color changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs automatic evaluation of the sterilization process. The control unit automatically processes the temperature data from the sensor and provides an evaluation result without requiring manual intervention to interpret chemical indicator changes, making the system self-sufficient.
2Reliability
If chemical indicators are used for detection, then gas presence can be detected, but manual manipulation and interpretation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual observation of chemical indicator color changes with an electronic temperature sensor and automated evaluation system. The sensor continuously monitors temperature, and the control unit automatically compares temperature differences to determine gas presence, eliminating manual manipulation entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback through the control unit, which processes temperature data from the sensor and generates an evaluation result. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the need for manual interpretation and provides immediate, objective results.
3Ease of manufacture
If the receptacle surface is horizontal, then manufacturing is simplified, but condensed water cannot flow out due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle surface is designed with an asymmetric inclination rather than being horizontal. This inclined surface allows condensed water to naturally flow toward a drainage opening under gravity, while the overall manufacturing process remains relatively simple. The asymmetry is minimal and easily incorporated into the molding or fabrication process.
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 device provides reliable and simplified detection of air presence, improving measurement accuracy and reducing manual handling, with temperature differences indicating air concentration, ensuring effective sterilization quality.
Implementation Method 1
the filling charge (3) is such that it comprises, in the operating position of the chamber (5), a path allowing gravity flow of condensed water in the chamber (5) from the water vapor mainly constituting the atmosphere thereof, to the opening of the proximal end (12)
Implementation Method 2
at least one indicator of the presence of the unwanted gases being disposed toward the closed distal end (11) of the chamber (5), and such that: the indicator of the presence of undesirable gases is an electronic temperature sensor of any type, which is capable of make it possible to calculate the proportion of this undesirable non-condensable gas in the atmosphere of the distal end of the chamber
Implementation Method 3
the casing has a high thermal inertia at least around the distal end of the chamber where the indicator of the presence of undesirable gases is placed, the thickness at least of this casing being such for this that its external diameter is between double and quadruple the internal diameter of the receptacle thus insulated from the outside
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The device has an elongated chamber (5) closed at a distal end (1-1) of a receptacle i.e. rotation cylinder, and opened at a proximal end (1-2) of the receptacle, where the chamber stores a filler material. An undesirable gas presence indicator (2) i.e. electronic temperature sensor, is placed towards the distal end of the receptacle. An envelope (8) is provided with high thermal inertia around the distal end of the receptacle. The filler material is provided with a path for gravity flow of condensed water in the chamber towards an opening of the proximal end of the receptacle.