Ultrasonic Cleaner Trigger Drainage for Single-Tank Sanitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic cleaning devices for medical and dental instruments are cumbersome, expensive, and prone to cross-contamination due to complex tank structures and the need to transfer instruments among multiple tanks, which complicates space usage and maintenance in laboratory and medical environments.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus with a single tank featuring dual compartments for cleaning, rinsing, and drying, utilizing a trigger mechanism for fluid drainage and integrated heating and air circulation to maintain instruments in a stationary position, reducing the need for expensive automated systems and minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple tanks are used for cleaning, rinsing, and drying operations, then sanitation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cleaning, rinsing, and drying functions into a single tank by sequentially filling the tank with different fluids (cleaning solution, rinse water, dry air) and using automated drainage to transition between stages. This eliminates the need for multiple separate tanks while maintaining all required sanitation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single tank is designed to serve multiple functions throughout the cleaning cycle: it holds cleaning solution for ultrasonic cleaning, receives rinse water for flushing contaminants, and then contains heated air for drying. The tank's versatility allows it to perform roles that traditionally required separate dedicated vessels.
2Productivity
If automated drainage systems are implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system operates automatically based on fluid level detection. When the cleaning solution or rinse water reaches a certain level, the system self-activates to drain the fluid without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains high operational efficiency while avoiding complex automated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex automated mechanical drainage systems with a simpler level-triggered mechanism. Instead of using sophisticated sensors and controlled pumping systems, the invention uses basic fluid level detection to automatically initiate drainage through gravity-fed overflow channels or simple valves, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining automation benefits.
3Reliability
If instruments are transferred among multiple tanks, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining cleaning, rinsing, and drying operations in a single tank, the patent eliminates the need to physically transfer instruments between separate tanks. The instrument remains stationary in the same vessel throughout the entire process, removing the cross-contamination risk associated with transfers while still achieving thorough cleaning through sequential fluid changes.
4Reliability
If expensive automated elements are used, then cleaning reliability is improved, but cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive components for automated functions rather than expensive durable systems. For example, it uses basic level sensors and gravity-based drainage mechanisms instead of costly automated pumps and controlled valve systems. While these simpler components may have shorter lifetimes, they significantly reduce manufacturing costs and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-activating mechanisms that do not require expensive automated control systems. The drainage function automatically activates when fluid reaches a certain level, eliminating the need for complex programmable logic controllers, sensors, and automated valve systems that would increase manufacturing cost while maintaining cleaning reliability.
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 enables efficient, space-saving, and cost-effective ultrasonic cleaning with reduced cross-contamination risks, maintaining optimal sanitation standards while simplifying operation and maintenance in medical and laboratory settings.
Implementation Method 1
The effectiveness of ultrasonic cleaning relies upon energy released from the creation and collapse of microscopic cavitation bubbles that break up and release contaminants from the surface to be cleaned
Implementation Method 2
The generator converts a standard electrical frequency of 60 Hz into high ultrasonic frequencies (generally from about 20 kHz to about 80 kHz), causing the transducer to vibrate
Implementation Method 3
A heater is provided in the support section
Implementation Method 4
an oscillating fan in the support section
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an ultrasonic cleaner in which an automated ultrasonic cleaning operation is executed using an aqueous solution. The cleaner includes a tank having a valve means in fluid communication therewith, a bottom tank portion with at least one drainage aperture therethrough and at least one tank wall depending therefrom to provide a solution retention region. At least one ultrasonic transducer is removably secured to one of the tank bottom and tank wall. A partition in the solution retention region has at least one aperture defined therethrough and defines a service section and a support section thereby. A trigger means operatively disposed in the support section comprises a drainage flapper in operable communication with a signal means between a first rest position, in which the flapper impedes flow of the solution through the drainage aperture, and a second elevated position, in which the flapper is elevated relative to the drainage aperture to facilitate unimpeded fluid flow therethrough.