Water Inlet Diffusers for Washer Thermal Shock Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical washers experience thermal shock due to fluctuations in fluid temperature and pump operation, which is costly to mitigate with two-speed motors, especially in smaller facilities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating water inlet diffusers that gradually adjust the temperature of the washing chamber by directing fluid flow against the chamber walls, reducing thermal shock and allowing for the use of a single-speed pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a two-speed motor is used to pump washing and rinsing fluids, then thermal shock is reduced during the start-up procedure, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water inlet diffusers as intermediary devices that mediate between the single-speed pump and the washing chamber. These diffusers distribute incoming water flow in a controlled manner, gradually adjusting the temperature within the chamber and reducing thermal shock without requiring complex pump speed control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical solution of using a two-speed motor with a passive fluid dynamics solution. Instead of mechanically controlling pump speed to reduce thermal shock, the system uses the diffuser structure to naturally distribute and moderate water flow temperature effects through its geometric design
2Temperature
If a two-speed pump is used to minimize thermal shock, then the washing chamber experiences gradual temperature changes, but the washer cost increases for small clinics and one-day surgical centers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs relatively simple, cost-effective water inlet diffusers that can be manufactured at low cost compared to two-speed pumps. These diffusers achieve temperature control through their structural design rather than expensive mechanical components, making the washer affordable for small clinics and one-day surgical centers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from controlling pump speed parameters to controlling water flow distribution parameters. By adjusting the diffuser geometry and flow distribution characteristics rather than pump speed, the system achieves gradual temperature changes at lower cost
3Productivity
If hot and cold fluids are introduced into the washing chamber during different phases, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but pressure fluctuation and thermal shock increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water inlet flow into multiple distributed streams through the diffuser structure. Instead of introducing hot or cold fluid as a single concentrated flow that causes pressure spikes, the diffuser divides the flow into numerous smaller streams that enter the chamber gradually, reducing pressure fluctuation while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
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 effectively reduces thermal shock and allows for the design of more affordable, smaller washers by ensuring a gradual temperature change within the washing chamber, eliminating the need for a two-speed pump.
Implementation Method 1
The use of hot and cold fluids within the washing chamber during the different phases of the washing cycle, as well as the starting and stopping of pumps, can produce significant fluctuation in pressure within the washing chamber between the different phases of the washing cycle. These occurrences are referred to as 'thermal shock.'
Data Source
AI summary
A washer having a plurality of water inlet diffusers, each diffuser connected to a water inlet line for directing the flow of fluid into the washing chamber. The water is directed, i.e., sprayed against the surfaces of the washing chamber to modify (adjust) the temperature of the washing chamber gradually prior to the start of a particular phase of a washing cycle.