Charge Carrier Sterilization Device for Beverage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container sterilization devices are complex and not space-efficient for integration into beverage bottling and container manufacturing plants, as they require multiple components for internal and external sterilization, and can be detrimental to plastic containers due to material softening with hydrogen peroxide.
Innovation Solution
A device with a generating unit for charge carriers, a guiding unit, and a deflection unit that can be positioned relative to the container, allowing for both internal and external sterilization by deflecting charge carriers onto the container's inner and outer surfaces, with a holding device enabling translational movement for simplified structural integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrogen peroxide is used for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but plastic material softening occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sterilization parameter from chemical (hydrogen peroxide) to physical (charge carriers/electron beam). This allows effective sterilization without the chemical damage that causes plastic softening, as charge carriers can kill microorganisms without the harmful side effects of chemical agents on plastic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical sterilization system with a physical charge carrier system. The electron beam or ionizing radiation system substitutes for hydrogen peroxide, achieving sterilization through physical energy deposition rather than chemical reaction, thereby avoiding material degradation.
2Reliability
If multiple sterilization devices are used for internal and external sterilization, then sterilization coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the charge carrier generating device with multi-functionality to perform both internal and external sterilization. The device can generate charge carriers that penetrate the container to sterilize the interior, and also direct charge carriers to the exterior surface, replacing multiple separate sterilization devices with a single versatile system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the internal sterilization function and external sterilization function into a single integrated device. By combining these functions, the patent reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining comprehensive sterilization coverage.
3Reliability
If multiple sterilization devices are integrated into the plant, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sterilization functions into a single device, thereby reducing the total space required for sterilization equipment in the beverage bottling or container manufacturing plant. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate internal and external sterilization devices, freeing up installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional charge carrier device can perform both internal and external sterilization, replacing what would traditionally require multiple dedicated devices. This universality reduces the overall equipment footprint and simplifies plant layout requirements.
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 efficient and space-saving sterilization of both internal and external container surfaces using charge carriers, reducing the risk of material damage and simplifying the device's structural design for integration into beverage production environments.
Implementation Method 1
a generating device (3) for generating charge carriers (4) and a guiding device (5) that can be introduced into the container (2) for guiding the charge carriers (4) onto an inner wall (6) of the container (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The apparatus (1) has generating unit for generating and introducing charge carriers into the container (2) with guide unit (5) for conducting of charge carriers on an inner wall of the container. A support unit (9) is positioned at the orifice (10) of container for supporting container relative to the guide unit. A displaceable deflection unit (7) is provided relative to the guide unit for deflecting the existing charge carrier lying outside the mouth portion (8) of container from guide unit. An independent claim is included for method for sterilizing container.