Bell-Shaped Radiation Shield for Electron Beam Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electron beam sterilization devices for containers require complex, bulky, and expensive protective systems to shield against undesirable radiation, which complicates their design and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A processing device with a protection system comprising movable upper and lower portions that form a protective enclosure around each treatment station, using a bell-shaped design to enclose the electron beam emitter and container, allowing for efficient radiation shielding while maintaining a simpler and more cost-effective structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional protective system is used to shield against radiation from electron beam emitters, then radiation protection is ensured, but the device becomes complex, bulky, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is divided into separate movable portions (first portion and second portion) that can be positioned independently. Each portion can be moved between a retracted position allowing container access and an active position forming a protective enclosure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining radiation protection
Solution Approach 2:
The protective system employs movable portions that can dynamically change position between retracted and active states. This dynamic configuration allows the system to provide radiation protection only when needed during sterilization operations, reducing complexity during non-operational phases while ensuring reliability during treatment
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional protective system is used to shield against radiation, then operator safety is ensured, but the system becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is segmented into movable portions that can be positioned only when needed, rather than providing continuous full-enclosure protection. This segmentation reduces the amount of shielding material required, decreasing weight while maintaining adequate radiation protection during operational phases
Solution Approach 2:
The protective system transitions from a static bulky enclosure to a dynamic movable configuration. The portions move into position only during sterilization operations, reducing the weight of stationary protective structures while ensuring operator safety during radiation-emitting operations
3Device complexity
If the protective enclosure is formed by movable portions, then the system becomes simpler and less expensive, but radiation shielding effectiveness must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system uses segmented movable portions that can be positioned to form a complete enclosure when needed. The segmentation allows for simpler individual components that are easier to manufacture and assemble, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining radiation shielding effectiveness when portions are properly positioned
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portions dynamically form the protective enclosure only during sterilization operations, allowing the system to maintain simpler architecture during non-operational phases. The dynamic positioning ensures that radiation shielding effectiveness is achieved precisely when required, balancing simplicity with reliability
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
The solution provides effective radiation shielding, reducing the complexity and cost of the protective system while ensuring high-performance and rapid sterilization of containers, with the added benefit of ozone removal using injected neutral gases to prevent product deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
an electron-beam emitter, and supporting means to support a container under said emitter, said emitter being able to emit an electron beam passing through the upper opening of a container
Implementation Method 2
Electron-beam emitters however produce undesirable radiation, in particular X rays, and therefore require the provision of protective systems or shielding in order to prevent any risk of propagation of radiation towards the exterior
Data Source
AI summary
A treatment device includes one or more treatment stations each including an electron-beam emitter and supporting device for supporting a container beneath the emitter, the emitter being capable of emitting an electron beam passing through the upper opening of a container supported by the supporting means, so as to sterilize the container, and a protection system for stopping the radiation emitted by the emitter(s). The protection system includes an upper portion connected to the emitter, lower portion connected to the supporting device and a moving device capable of moving the upper portion relative to the lower portion, between a retracted position and at least one operative position in which the portions from a protective enclosure in which the emitter and container are positioned.