Washer Chamber Air Curtain Drying for Faster Instrument Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washer systems for medical, dental, pharmaceutical, and veterinary instruments require lengthy drying phases, which prolong the overall cleaning process, and inefficiently use external air.
Innovation Solution
A washer system with a partitioned chamber and blower assembly that creates a unique air flow pattern, where air is circulated from the lower compartment to the upper compartment through a gap, heated, and then vented, reducing the reliance on external air and enhancing air distribution for faster drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If traditional drying methods are used in washers, then the drying function is provided, but the drying time is excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The washing chamber is divided into an upper compartment and a lower compartment separated by a partition. The partition has a peripheral edge that forms a gap with the chamber walls, creating distinct air flow paths. This segmentation allows independent control of air circulation in each compartment, enabling more efficient drying by directing heated air specifically through the gap region where articles are positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to air flow by positioning the blower assembly and heating means in the upper compartment, with air flowing downward through the gap along the chamber walls. This three-dimensional air circulation pattern, rather than simple horizontal flow, enhances heat distribution and moisture removal from articles positioned on racks throughout the chamber.
2Loss of substance
If external air is used for drying, then the drying process can proceed, but external air usage is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The blower assembly draws air from the upper compartment and recirculates it through the gap and lower compartment rather than continuously introducing fresh external air. This recovery and reuse of air within the chamber reduces the volume of external air required while maintaining effective drying conditions through sustained heat application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous circulation of heated air through the gap region where articles are positioned, ensuring sustained drying action. The blower assembly operates continuously to maintain air flow through the defined path, and the heating means continuously supplies thermal energy to the circulating air, maximizing the utility of each volume of air passed through the system.
3Quantity of substance
If air flow is not optimized, then the system is simple, but air distribution is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The partition is designed with a peripheral edge that creates a defined gap with the chamber walls, extracting and isolating a specific air flow path from the overall chamber volume. This extracted path ensures concentrated air flow directly over article positions, improving drying efficiency without requiring complex distribution networks throughout the entire chamber.
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 solution significantly reduces the drying time, improves air distribution, and minimizes external air usage, thereby shortening the overall cleaning cycle and enhancing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A blower assembly is disposed in the upper compartment. The blower assembly is comprised of a housing having a first air inlet, a second air inlet and an air outlet. The first air inlet fluidly communicates with the lower compartment. The second air inlet fluidly communicates with the external air inlet line. The outlet fluidly communicates with the upper chamber. An impeller is disposed in the housing. The impeller is operable to circulate air from the lower compartment and the external air inlet line through the air outlet into the upper compartment.
Implementation Method 2
A heating means is disposed in the upper compartment. The heating means heats air in the upper compartment.
Implementation Method 3
The partition is dimensioned such that a gap is formed between the edge of the partition and the side walls of the housing. The air flow path is from the outlet of the blower, through the upper compartment, through the gap between the partition and the side walls, through the lower compartment to the inlet of the blower.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of drying articles within a washer comprising:creating an airflow from an upper compartment of a chamber to a lower compartment of the chamber through a gap such that a curtain of air is formed along side walls of the chamber;creating an air flow from the lower compartment to the upper compartment through an opening therebetween wherein a portion of the curtain of air is drawn in a first direction over articles in the lower compartment and a portion of the curtain of air continues along the side walls and is redirected in a second direction over the articles in the lower compartment;heating the air in the upper compartment to a temperature sufficient to vaporize fluid in the chamber;venting a portion of the air in the lower compartment; andintroducing clean filtered air into the upper compartment.