Vacuum Drying Apparatus for Confined Space Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for drying and sterilizing objects are inefficient, requiring significant power and water, and struggle to effectively remove moisture from confined spaces, leading to incomplete sterilization and waste of sterilants.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-based apparatus that uses pressure control and sensors to precisely monitor and manage moisture levels and sterilant concentrations, ensuring efficient drying and sterilization with minimal resources, and controlled delivery of sterilants to reach predetermined concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat sterilization is used to sterilize objects, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption and water usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of sterilization from thermal (heat-based) to chemical (vapor-based). Instead of using high temperature steam or dry heat, the system uses chemical vapors such as hydrogen peroxide, ozone, or peracetic acid that can sterilize at lower temperatures, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining sterilization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of chemical substances from liquid to vapor form. The chemical sterilants are introduced in liquid form and then vaporized to create a sterile atmosphere that penetrates all surfaces and confined spaces, enabling effective sterilization without the high energy requirements of heat-based methods
2Object-affected harmful factors
If chemical sterilants are used to sterilize heat-sensitive objects, then temperature-related damage is avoided, but incomplete sterilization occurs in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by introducing chemical vapors that can flow and penetrate into confined spaces, lumens, and difficult-to-reach areas. The vapor phase allows the sterilant to distribute uniformly throughout the chamber and penetrate surfaces that liquid or gas jet methods cannot effectively reach, ensuring complete sterilization without heat damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vapor phase of chemical sterilants to ensure complete penetration into confined spaces. The vapor form allows the sterilant to envelop all surfaces uniformly and penetrate into areas that would be inaccessible to liquid applications, while the low temperature of the vapor prevents heat-sensitive objects from damage
3Quantity of substance
If traditional drying methods are used to remove moisture from objects, then moisture removal is achieved, but confined spaces retain moisture and sterilization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by introducing dry chemical vapors that can flow into and through confined spaces. The vapor phase allows the drying agent to penetrate all surfaces and remove moisture from areas that are inaccessible to traditional wiping or blowing methods, achieving complete drying throughout the entire object including internal lumens and crevices
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 apparatus effectively removes moisture from objects, including those with confined spaces, while reducing power and water consumption, ensuring thorough sterilization with precise control over sterilant delivery, minimizing waste and residual sterilant levels.
Implementation Method 1
reducing the pressure within the chamber to increase the rate of evaporation of moisture from the load
Implementation Method 2
monitoring over a predetermined period of time the increase in the quantity of vapor within the chamber resulting from evaporation of moisture from the load
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a
AI summary
The removal of moisture from an object to be sterilized is provided through at least the steps of placing the load in the chamber, reducing the pressure within the chamber to increase the rate of evaporation of moisture from the load, monitoring over a predetermined period of time the increase in the quantity of vapor within the chamber resulting from evaporation of moisture from the load, admitting gas into the chamber and repeating the steps following placing the load into the chamber.