Carrier Sterilization of Container Holding Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container manufacturing processes face contamination risks due to inadequate sterilization of transport devices and holding elements, particularly during the handling and filling of beverage containers, which compromises cleanliness and sterility.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that includes a cleaning device specifically designed to sterilize holding elements along a transport path, utilizing a sterilization liquid and heating elements to maintain elevated temperatures for effective sterilization, and a drying device to prevent residue accumulation, ensuring sterile processing of plastic preforms during the blow molding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If holding elements are used to transport containers along a specified path, then container transport efficiency is improved, but contamination risk increases due to inadequate sterilization of holding elements
Solution Approach 1:
The holding elements are subjected to sterilization treatment before they contact the containers. A cleaning device with sterilization liquid is positioned in the transport path so that holding elements are cleaned in advance during their return trip, ensuring they are sterile before picking up new containers. This preliminary sterilization action eliminates contamination risk while maintaining continuous transport operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A cleaning device acting as an intermediary is introduced between the transport segments. This device applies sterilization liquid to the holding elements through spray nozzles or immersion, serving as a mediator that transfers sterility to the holding elements without disrupting the main container transport flow. The cleaning device is positioned in a zone where no containers are present, allowing independent sterilization of holding elements.
2Reliability
If holding elements are sterilized using cleaning device, then sterility of holding elements is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding elements perform their own sterilization by being passed through the cleaning device. The cleaning device uses spray nozzles or immersion methods that allow the holding elements to be cleaned autonomously during their transport cycle, without requiring manual intervention or complex automated sterilization systems. The structure remains simple while achieving reliable sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed to handle all types of holding elements used in the transport system, whether they are clamps, mandrels, or grippers. By positioning the cleaning device in the transport path, it universally sterilizes all holding elements regardless of their specific type or function, simplifying the overall system design while ensuring comprehensive sterility.
3Reliability
If cleaning device is positioned in container transport path, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but container processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport path is segmented into different zones: a first zone for container transport, a second zone for holding element sterilization, and a third zone for continued transport. The cleaning device is positioned in the second zone where no containers are present, allowing holding elements to be sterilized independently without delaying container processing. This spatial segmentation enables simultaneous operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization process is performed periodically during the return trip of holding elements, rather than continuously blocking the transport path. Holding elements pass through the cleaning device at intervals during their cycle, allowing sterilization to occur without interrupting the continuous forward movement of containers. This periodic sterilization maintains effectiveness while minimizing time loss.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If holding elements are cleaned with sterilization liquid, then contamination is reduced, but residue from cleaning liquid may remain
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process includes a continuous sequence of actions: sterilization liquid is applied, the holding elements are agitated or tumbled to ensure complete coverage, and then the elements are drained and dried. This continuous action sequence ensures that the sterilization liquid performs its function thoroughly and is completely removed, leaving no residue that could contaminate containers during filling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning liquid undergoes phase transition from liquid to vapor through the drying process. After the holding elements are saturated with sterilization liquid, they are subjected to drying means that evaporate the liquid, transforming it from a wet residue into vapor that is completely removed. This phase transition ensures complete elimination of cleaning liquid residue while maintaining sterility.
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 improved sterilization and purity of the system by ensuring that holding elements are thoroughly cleaned and dried, reducing contamination risks and maintaining permanent sterility of preform receptacles, thereby enhancing the cleanliness and sterility of the container manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning device (8), in order to clean the holding elements (4) at least in sections
Implementation Method 2
at least those areas of the holding elements which subsequently come into contact with the containers or preforms are sterilised
Implementation Method 3
a drying device to prevent residue
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for treating containers, including a transport device which transports the containers along a specified transport path, the transport device including a plurality of holding elements for holding the containers, with the holding elements being transported along the specified transport path. The apparatus includes a cleaning device for sterilizing the holding elements at least in sections.