Sterilizable Tactile Button Device With Pressure Transmission Duct
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile button devices used in sterilizable applications face challenges in ensuring sterile conditions due to the sensitivity of electronic components, which require shielding from gamma irradiation and autoclaving, making it cumbersome to maintain sterile environments, especially when used with consumable components like bioprocess filters and integrity test units.
Innovation Solution
A tactile button assembly comprising a receptacle filled with a material that transmits pressure to a detection device via a duct and connector, allowing the button device to be sterilized separately from sensitive electronic components, and integrated into consumable components for use as a control panel, enabling sterile operation without exposing electronic components to sterilization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are integrated into the tactile button device for controlling functions, then the device can perform electronic control and information display, but the electronic components require shielding from sterilization processes (gamma irradiation, autoclaving) which makes it cumbersome to ensure sterile conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tactile button device into two separate parts: a sterilizable mechanical component (receptacle, duct, connector) and a non-sterilizable electronic component (detection device). The mechanical part can be sterilized using gamma irradiation or autoclaving, while the electronic part remains protected from sterilization processes. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the controlling function to be maintained through the connector linking the two parts, while eliminating the need to shield electronic components from sterilization.
2Reliability
If the tactile button device is made sterilizable by removing electronic components, then sterile conditions can be ensured, but the device loses electronic control and information display functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connector as an intermediary element that bridges the sterilizable mechanical component and the non-sterilizable electronic detection device. The connector allows pressure transmission from the mechanical side while enabling electrical connection to the electronic side. This intermediary solution resolves the contradiction by allowing both sterile condition maintenance (through the sterilizable mechanical part) and electronic control function (through the connected detection device) to coexist.
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 solution allows for reliable sterilization of the tactile button device and its integration into consumable components, ensuring sterile conditions can be maintained without compromising the sensitive electronic components, enhancing operational safety and efficiency in sterilization processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one duct connected to the receptacle and allowing the pressure exerted to the material to be transmitted
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3L
AI summary
A tactile button device suitable to be sterilized is provided. The tactile button device comprises at least one receptacle that is adapted to be at least partly filled with a material and being configured such that the material filled into the receptacle is at least partly displaced when subjected to a pressure, at least one duct connected to the receptacle and allowing the pressure exerted to the material to be transmitted, a connector connected to the at least one duct and connectable to a detection device, such that the pressure on the material is transmitted to the detection device.