Two-Chamber Aseptic Pass Box to Reduce Decontamination Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aseptic manipulation systems require prolonged decontamination times due to slow reduction of decontamination vapor concentration, which can expose objects, especially cultivation containers, to improper temperature conditions and risk vaporized decontamination medium entering the container, affecting the internal environment.
Innovation Solution
An aseptic manipulation system with a decontamination chamber divided into two operation chambers, utilizing a pressure-adjusting mechanism to control air flow and decontamination gas application, allowing for separate decontamination processes in each chamber to reduce overall decontamination time and enable selection of decontamination medium and method based on the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If decontamination vapor is supplied to sterilize the pass box and object, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but decontamination time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The pass box is divided into a first operation chamber and a second operation chamber separated by a communication portion. The first chamber receives decontamination vapor for sterilization, while the second chamber serves as a transition zone. This segmentation allows simultaneous sterilization in the first chamber while preparing for rapid transfer to the second chamber, reducing overall decontamination time while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication portion between chambers is pre-configured with open/close capabilities. During decontamination, the communication portion remains closed to maintain vapor concentration in the first chamber. Once sterilization is complete, the communication portion can be quickly opened to transfer the object to the second chamber, enabling rapid transition without compromising the sterilization process.
2Reliability
If decontamination vapor concentration is reduced to end sterilization, then decontamination process completes, but rate of concentration reduction slows down
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pass box into two chambers, the system can maintain high decontamination vapor concentration in the first chamber throughout the sterilization process. The second chamber acts as a buffer that can be quickly accessed once sterilization is complete, allowing the system to avoid the slow concentration reduction phase while still achieving complete sterilization in the first chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The decontamination process is extracted from a single continuous process into two distinct phases: sterilization phase in the first chamber and transfer phase to the second chamber. This extraction allows the sterilization phase to proceed at optimal vapor concentration without the need to gradually reduce concentration, improving both effectiveness and efficiency.
3Reliability
If object is exposed to decontamination vapor and aeration for extended period, then sterilization is thorough, but object may be damaged by improper temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The two-chamber configuration allows thorough sterilization to be completed in the first chamber during a controlled time period. Once sterilization is complete, the object can be quickly transferred to the second chamber, minimizing the total exposure time to decontamination vapor and associated temperature conditions. This reduces the risk of thermal damage to temperature-sensitive objects while maintaining sterilization thoroughness.
4Reliability
If decontamination vapor is supplied to ensure sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but risk of vapor entering cultivation container increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication portion separating the two chambers acts as a controlled interface. During decontamination, this portion remains closed, containing the vapor in the first chamber. After sterilization, the object is transferred through the communication portion to the second chamber, creating a buffer zone that prevents direct vapor contact with the cultivation container during the transfer process, thereby reducing vapor contamination risk.
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 approach significantly reduces decontamination time and allows for tailored decontamination methods and media, minimizing exposure risks and ensuring effective sterilization of objects before transfer to the aseptic manipulation chamber.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure-adjusting mechanism for adjusting a pressure of the first operation chamber and a pressure of the second operation chamber. When the communication portion is open to communicate between the first operation chamber and the second operation chamber, an air current from the second operation chamber to the first operation chamber is generated by the pressure-adjusting mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A decontamination operation chamber is partitioned into a first operation chamber and a second operation chamber. A connecting portion that connects the first operation chamber and the second operation chamber can be closed. The pressure of the first operation chamber and the second operation chamber is adjusted by a pressure-adjusting mechanism. When the connecting portion is opened and the first operation chamber and the second operation chamber are connected, an inlet portion for the first operation chamber and an outlet portion for the second operation chamber are closed and air flow is generated from the second operation chamber to the first operation chamber by the pressure-adjusting mechanism. When carrying an object into an aseptic manipulation chamber, the object is housed in the first operation chamber and a first decontamination operation is performed, then the object is transferred to the second operation chamber and a second decontamination operation is performed.