Air Pulse Sterilization Agent Removal Carton Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging technologies face inefficiencies in removing excess sterilization agents from packaging materials, particularly in roll-fed packaging systems, which can lead to energy wastage and incomplete sterilization.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing air pulses to remove excess sterilization agents from carton-based packaging materials by determining the position of opening devices on the web and adjusting air pulse pressure and frequency to target specific areas, reducing energy consumption and maintaining effective sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If heat-sterilized air is used to dry the packaging material to remove the sterilization agent, then the sterilization agent is removed from the packaging material, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using intermittent air pulses instead of continuous heat-sterilized air flow. The air pulse device delivers short, periodic bursts of air at specific intervals to remove excess sterilization agent from the packaging material. This periodic approach reduces energy consumption compared to continuous heating while maintaining effective sterilization by targeting excess agent removal at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by directing air pulses specifically to areas where the opening device contacts the packaging material. Instead of uniformly treating the entire packaging web, the system focuses air pulse energy locally at the opening device area where excess sterilization agent accumulates. This localized approach reduces overall energy consumption while ensuring thorough removal of the sterilization agent from critical areas.
2Use of energy by moving object
If air pulses are used to remove excess sterilization agent, then energy consumption is reduced, but the precision of targeting specific areas must be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using a positioning element reader to detect the position of positioning elements on the packaging material, which then feeds information to a control unit. The control unit adjusts the timing and positioning of air pulses based on the detected position of the opening device. This closed-loop feedback system ensures precise targeting of air pulses at the opening device area, maintaining manufacturing precision while reducing energy consumption through targeted treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing mechanical positioning systems with a combination of positioning elements, optical/electronic detection (positioning element reader), and electronic control. Instead of relying solely on mechanical alignment mechanisms, the system uses non-contact detection and electronic timing control to achieve precise positioning of air pulses, improving both precision and energy efficiency.
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 approach efficiently removes excess sterilization agents from packaging materials while minimizing energy usage and ensuring thorough sterilization, improving the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
an air pulse device arranged to provide an air pulse
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for removing excess of a sterilization agent from a web of carton-based packaging material is presented. The web comprises a number of consecutively arranged sections arranged to be formed into packages, wherein each section of the web comprises an opening device attached thereto, wherein at least a subset of the sections comprises a positioning element. The apparatus comprises a positioning element reader arranged to determine a position of the positioning element comprised in or on the web, a control unit configured to estimate a position of the opening device based on the position of the positioning element, and an air pulse device arranged to provide an air pulse, wherein the control unit is further configured to adjust the air pulse device based on the position of the opening device, and the air pulse is provided onto an opening device area of the web such that sterilization agent is removed from the opening device.