Washer/disinfector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical washers face inefficiencies in heating fluids due to the use of electric-heating systems, which result in longer cycle times and lower performance, and steam-heating systems that require high-quality steam, which is often unavailable in medical facilities, leading to energy loss and resource consumption from condensate disposal.
Innovation Solution
A washer/disinfector equipped with a steam-heating system that includes a steam-to-fluid heat exchanger, where residual steam and condensate are exhausted into the washing chamber, utilizing a controller to manage steam input and temperature, and a sump with a coil heat exchanger for efficient heating of fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electric-heating systems are used to heat fluids in the washer, then the heating can be achieved, but the cycle time increases and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric heating systems with a steam heating system. The steam generator produces steam that is directed through a heat exchanger to heat the wash fluids. This substitution of heating mechanism (from electric to steam-based) resolves the contradiction by providing faster heating capability while maintaining the required fluid temperature for effective washing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water to steam in the steam generator. Water is converted to steam through heating, and this steam is then used to heat the wash fluids. The phase change from liquid to gas provides efficient heat transfer, enabling faster heating cycles compared to direct electric heating, thus reducing cycle time while achieving the necessary temperature.
2Productivity
If steam-heating systems are used to heat fluids, then heating efficiency improves, but high-quality steam is required which is often unavailable in medical facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a steam generator within the washer system that generates its own steam on-demand. Rather than relying on external steam infrastructure, the system produces the steam it needs using water from the facility's water supply. This self-service approach eliminates the dependency on external high-quality steam availability while maintaining efficient steam-based heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary component between the steam generator and the wash fluids. The heat exchanger transfers thermal energy from the generated steam to the wash fluids without requiring direct contact between the steam and the washing chamber environment. This intermediary allows the system to use steam efficiently while adapting to facilities without existing steam infrastructure.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If steam is used for heating, then economical heating is achieved, but energy is lost through condensate disposal and cold water consumption for cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers the thermal energy from steam condensate by directing it back into the washing chamber or reuse systems. Instead of discarding the condensate to drains after steam condensation, the system captures and reutilizes the heated condensate water, thereby recovering the thermal energy that would otherwise be lost. This reduces the need for additional heating energy and minimizes waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous circulation and reuse of thermal resources within the system. The heat exchanger continuously transfers heat from steam to wash fluids, and the condensate is continuously recovered and reused. This continuous cycle of heat transfer and resource recovery maintains heating efficiency while minimizing energy loss and reducing the need for cold water intake for cooling purposes.
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 provides an efficient and economical heating method that reduces energy loss, utilizes residual steam energy, and minimizes thermal shock during washing cycles, ensuring effective cleaning and disinfection of medical instruments.
Implementation Method 1
a steam-to-fluid heat exchanger. The fluid-heating system has an exhaust port disposed in the washing chamber for exhausting residual steam from the heat exchanger into the washing chamber
Implementation Method 2
A fluid-heating system comprised of a steam generator is connected to a steam-to-fluid heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
Sensors within the chamber monitor the temperature and humidity within the washing chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A washer/disinfector having a washing chamber dimensioned to receive articles to be washed. The washing chamber has a sump at the bottom thereof for collecting fluids used in the washing chamber. A fluid-heating system comprised of a steam generator is connected to a steam-to-fluid heat exchanger. The fluid-heating system has an exhaust port disposed in the washing chamber for exhausting residual steam from the heat exchanger into the washing chamber.