Temperature-Dependent Sealing Element for Surgical Cavity Sterilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical appliances with sealed cavities face challenges in sterilization due to incomplete sealing, allowing germs to penetrate during high-temperature sterilization processes, which can damage components and compromise sterility.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection is introduced with a sealing element that opens for gaseous fluids at specific temperatures or pressure differences, allowing sterilization with superheated steam while preventing liquid penetration, and can be made of materials like sintered or porous plastics, ceramics, or membranes for effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealed cavities are made completely tight, then protection against liquid penetration is improved, but mechanical stresses during sterilization increase due to pressure differences
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element dynamically adjusts its sealing property based on temperature. During sterilization, it becomes permeable to equalize pressure, reducing mechanical stresses. During normal operation, it provides tight sealing for liquid protection, creating a dynamic balance between protection and pressure management.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element's permeability parameter changes with temperature to manage pressure differences. At sterilization temperatures, increased permeability allows pressure equalization, reducing mechanical stress on the cavity while maintaining liquid protection at operating temperatures.
2Reliability
If small amounts of steam or liquid penetrate into the sealed cavity, then complete sterilization is compromised, but removing these penetrants is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to prevent liquid penetration in the first place by providing temperature-dependent sealing. During sterilization, it allows steam penetration for complete sterilization, then prevents liquid entry during subsequent cooling and operation, eliminating the need for difficult contaminant removal processes.
3Reliability
If permanent sealing connections are implemented, then liquid sealing is improved, but design complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature-dependent sealing function is extracted as a separate, standalone sealing element that can be integrated into the housing. This modular approach simplifies the overall design compared to implementing complex permanent multi-layer sealing systems, while achieving superior sealing performance.
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 design enables complete sterilization of surgical appliances, ensuring a germ-free environment without damaging components, as the fluid connection is only open during sterilization, maintaining the appliance's integrity and sterility.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sealing element to be thermally activatable for opening the fluid connection to gaseous fluids at temperatures which correspond to an activation temperature or have higher values
Implementation Method 2
Below this temperature the flow path is closed. It is not possible for liquids or germs to get into or out of the interior of the appliance
Data Source
AI summary
In order to improve a surgical appliance comprising a housing having at least one sealed cavity, and a drive unit arranged in the housing, such that the cavity can be sealed in a simple way, and the formation of germs can be reduced or these can be removed in a simple way from the cavity, it is proposed that a fluid connection be provided for forming a flow path into and out of the cavity, and that at least one sealing element be provided for closing the fluid connection to liquid fluids and opening the fluid connection to gaseous fluids.