Water Inlet Diffusers for Medical 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 not effectively addressed in existing technologies, particularly in smaller clinics and one-day surgical centers where cost-effective solutions are needed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of water inlet diffusers mounted on the walls of the washing chamber, which gradually modify the temperature of the chamber by directing fluid flow against the surfaces, 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 pump is used to reduce thermal shock, then thermal shock is minimized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Water inlet diffusers are introduced as intermediary components between the water supply and the washing chamber. These diffusers gradually introduce water into the chamber, mediating the temperature change and preventing thermal shock without requiring complex pump speed control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal shock reduction function is extracted from the pump system and transferred to dedicated diffuser components. This separation allows the pump to operate at constant speed while the diffusers handle the gradual temperature adjustment, simplifying the overall system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a two-speed pump is used to reduce thermal shock, then thermal shock is minimized, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Water inlet diffusers serve as cost-effective intermediary components that eliminate the need for expensive two-speed pumps. The diffusers achieve thermal shock reduction through their structural design rather than through complex motor control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffusers are simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, providing an economical alternative to costly two-speed pump systems while effectively addressing thermal shock.
3Productivity
If hot or cold fluid is introduced rapidly into the washing chamber, then productivity is improved, but thermal shock occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The diffusers act as intermediaries that allow rapid fluid introduction to be decoupled from rapid temperature change in the chamber. The diffusers control the rate of temperature transfer to the chamber walls, enabling high productivity without thermal shock.
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 reduces thermal shock by gradually heating or cooling the washing chamber surfaces, enabling the use of a single-speed pump and providing a cost-effective washer/disinfector for smaller facilities, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the washing process.
Implementation Method 1
The water is directed, i.e., sprayed against the surfaces of the washing chamber to modify (adjust) the temperature of the washing chamber gradually
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~8
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.