Cap Sterilization Conveyor Using Maglev Carts for Aseptic Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cap sterilization machines face challenges in adapting operating speed to capping machine conditions and are prone to cap deformation due to high temperatures and mechanical contact, leading to increased mechanical complexity and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization machine utilizing an electromagnetic conveying system with carts controlled by a planar motor to advance caps along a guided path within an isolation chamber, eliminating mechanical contact and reducing contamination risks by using magnetic levitation for precise positioning and movement control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical contact conveying system is used to advance caps in sterilization machine, then caps can be transported along the conveying path, but caps are subjected to thrust forces causing deformation and mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact conveying system with an electromagnetic conveying system. Electromagnetic fields are used to propel and position caps along the conveying path without physical contact, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining control over cap advancement speed and position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the conveying system and the caps. This intermediary enables force transmission and position control without direct mechanical contact, reducing device complexity while preserving the ability to control cap movement speed.
2Reliability
If high temperature sterilization is applied to caps, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but cap deformation increases due to thermal effects combined with mechanical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact with electromagnetic interaction during cap handling in the high-temperature sterilization environment. This eliminates mechanical deformation caused by contact forces while caps are being advanced, preserving cap shape precision even under thermal stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the conveying mechanism from mechanical contact to electromagnetic field interaction. This parameter change allows the system to operate effectively in high-temperature sterilization conditions without causing thermal-mechanical deformation to the caps.
3Speed
If mechanical contact system is used for cap conveying, then caps can be advanced along the path, but contamination risk increases due to contact between caps and mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact with electromagnetic field interaction for cap conveying. This substitution eliminates the contamination risk associated with contact between caps and mechanical components while maintaining precise control over cap advancement speed and position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as a contactless intermediary for force transmission during cap conveying. This intermediary eliminates direct contact between caps and mechanical components, thereby preventing contamination while still enabling controlled cap movement.
4Device complexity
If operating speed is fixed in sterilization machine, then machine structure is simplified, but adaptability to capping machine conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system for the electromagnetic conveying mechanism that allows real-time adjustment of cap advancement speed. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to varying capping machine conditions while the electromagnetic system itself remains relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables changeable operating parameters for the electromagnetic conveying system, specifically the ability to adjust cap advancement speed according to capping machine conditions. This parameter flexibility provides adaptability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
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 allows for flexible adaptation of cap advancement speed and position, reducing mechanical complexity, minimizing cap deformation, and preventing contamination, while maintaining aseptic conditions within the sterilization chamber.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation unit arranged in the outer space and configured to selectively advance the carts along an advancement path by means of the generation and control of electromagnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
using magnetic levitation for precise positioning and movement control
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A sterilization machine (1, 1′, 1ʺ, 1‴) is described for the sterilization of caps (2), comprising at least an isolation chamber (3) having an inner space (4) in which the caps (2) are advanced along a conveying path (P) and separating the inner space (4) from an outer space (5), a plurality of carts (20) positioned within the inner space (4) and an actuation unit (21) arranged in the outer space (5) and configured to selectively advance the carts (20) along an advancement path (Q) by means of the generation of an electromagnetic field. Each cart (20) comprises at least one pusher element (21) configured to interact with a group (23) of caps (2) having one or more caps (2), to advance the respective group (23) along the conveying path (P) during the advancement of the respective cart (20) along at least one portion (Q1) of the advancement path (Q). The actuation unit (21) is configured in such a manner to selectively lift the carts (20) by means of levitation and to advance the carts (20) along the advancement path (Q) by means of control of the electromagnetic field.