Sterilizer Testing Device Segmentation for Hollow Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilizers face challenges in efficiently and safely testing the effectiveness of sterilization processes, particularly for hollow bodies, due to limitations in current testing devices that require direct insertion into the sterilization chamber, leading to issues with heat conduction and non-condensable gas detection, and necessitate frequent manual operation and costly, single-use systems.
Innovation Solution
A sterilizer design with a test device where the test body is arranged outside the sterilization chamber and a probe is partially inside, allowing for thermal measurements without diverting vapor-gas mixtures, and equipped with a cooling device for rapid temperature regulation, enabling automatic operation and reducing handling complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the test body is placed inside the sterilization chamber for direct measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device is divided into two separate parts: a test body that remains outside the sterilization chamber and a probe that is inserted into the chamber. This segmentation allows the measurement function to be performed inside the chamber while the main device body stays outside, reducing handling complexity and improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe acts as an intermediary component that transfers thermal measurements from the sterilization chamber environment to the test body outside the chamber. This intermediary structure enables precise temperature measurement without requiring the entire testing device to be placed inside the harsh sterilization environment.
2Reliability
If manual testing operations are performed frequently, then reliability of sterilization process control is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device is designed to automatically perform measurements and evaluations without requiring frequent manual intervention. The system self-monitors temperature parameters during the sterilization process and provides automatic feedback, ensuring reliable process control while minimizing operator involvement and maximizing productivity.
3Reliability
If single-use testing systems are used, then reliability of sterility testing is improved, but loss of substance and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using single-use test bodies that are discarded after one measurement, the invention employs a reusable test body with a removable probe. The probe can be sterilized and reused multiple times, significantly reducing material consumption and costs while maintaining the reliability of sterility testing through proper sterilization protocols.
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 configuration enhances the usability and efficiency of sterilization process testing, particularly for hollow bodies, by allowing precise temperature measurement and automatic operation, reducing the need for frequent manual intervention and costly single-use systems, while ensuring reproducible results.
Implementation Method 1
The sterilizer (6) is used for sterilizing hollow bodies and comprises a testing device (1) with a test body (2) and a probe (3), the probe (3) being connected to the test body (2) during operation. The probe (3) is arranged at least partially inside a sterilization chamber (7) and the test body (2) is arranged outside the sterilization chamber (7).
Implementation Method 2
A temperature sensor (5) can be arranged on the test body (2), which serves as a measure of the sterilization process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The sterilizer (6) has a sterilization chamber (7) and a testing device (1) for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization process, which comprises a test specimen (2) and a testing probe (3). The test specimen is arranged outside the sterilization chamber and the testing probe is arranged partially inside the sterilization chamber. The testing device is firmly connected with the sterilization chamber. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for operating a sterilizer; and (2) a device for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization process.