Thermal Actuated Medical Circulation Detent for Autonomous Valve Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical circulation detent devices require user intervention for moving parts relative to each other, limiting autonomous operation in medical instruments and sterilization containers.
Innovation Solution
A medical circulation detent device with a latching element and restricted guide, coupled with a thermal actuating element that changes state between low-temperature and high-temperature states to move the latching element between unlatched and latched positions, enabling autonomous movement of parts through the use of a coupling and setting element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a user-operated circulation detent device is used, then the device can be controlled by the user, but the device cannot operate autonomously without user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation detent device is equipped with a thermal actuating element that automatically responds to temperature changes in the sterilization container, enabling the device to operate autonomously without user intervention. The actuating element self-activates based on thermal conditions, making the system self-service capable.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation system is replaced with a thermal actuating element that converts thermal energy into mechanical motion. This substitution eliminates the need for user intervention while maintaining the circulation function through automated thermal-responsive actuation.
2Extent of automation
If a thermal actuating element is added to enable autonomous operation, then automation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element utilizes changes in thermal parameters (temperature) to trigger automated operation. By monitoring and responding to temperature parameter changes in the sterilization container, the device achieves autonomous operation without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal actuating element likely employs phase transition materials that change physical state in response to temperature variations. This phase transition mechanism provides a simple yet effective way to convert thermal energy into mechanical actuation, achieving automation while minimizing added complexity.
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
Enables the device to automatically transition between open and closed states of a valve in a medical sterilization container after successive heating and cooling cycles, facilitating the discharge of condensate without user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal actuating element operatively connected to the latching element and transferable due to temperature from a first state to a second state and vice versa in order to move the operative element, the first state and the second state comprising a low-temperature state and a high-temperature state
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical circulation detent device, comprising at least one circulation body and a latching element. The at least one circulation body comprising a restricted guide and at least one latching receptacle for the latching element. The latching element is guidable through the restricted guide from an unlatched position to a latched position at a first side of the at least one latching receptacle into the latter, and at a second side of the at least one latching receptacle from the latched position to an unlatched position again. An operative element is coupled to the latching element via a coupling element. A thermal actuating element is operatively connected to the latching element and transferable due to temperature from a first state to a second state and vice versa in order to move the operative element. The invention also relates to a medical sterilization container.