Composite Shield for Electron Beam Sterilization Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electron beam sterilization technologies fail to effectively counteract the influence of geomagnetism on electron beams, leading to unstable sterilization due to curvature and collision of beams within irradiation nozzles, particularly in containers with varying geomagnetic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A composite shield comprising a magnetic shield layer and an X-ray shield layer, interposed with insulating and corrosion-resistant layers, is used to protect electron beams from geomagnetic interference and X-ray attenuation, ensuring stable sterilization by blocking geomagnetism and X-rays while preventing corrosion and galvanic corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an irradiation nozzle is used to sterilize the inner surface of a container, then sterilization can be achieved, but electron beams are curved by geomagnetism causing unstable sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic shield layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the electron beam source and the container. This shield layer blocks geomagnetic fields from affecting the electron beams, allowing stable sterilization while maintaining the beneficial sterilization effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is constructed as a composite structure with a magnetic shield layer and an X-ray shield layer. The magnetic layer counteracts geomagnetic influences on electron beams, while the X-ray layer blocks scattered X-rays, creating a multi-functional protective shield.
2Area of stationary object
If the exit window of the irradiation nozzle is moved close to the bottom of the container, then sterilization range is extended, but the nozzle length becomes nearly equal to the container height
Solution Approach 1:
The shield structure is segmented into multiple functional layers (magnetic shield layer, insulating layer, X-ray shield layer, corrosion resistant layer) that can be independently optimized. This allows the shield to provide comprehensive protection without requiring excessive length, separating the shielding function from the nozzle structure.
3Ease of operation
If the irradiation nozzle has a small inside diameter to fit into the container mouth, then it can be inserted, but heat generated by electron beams requires cooling structure
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic shield layer acts as an intermediary that protects the electron beam path from geomagnetic interference, allowing the nozzle to maintain a small diameter for easy insertion while the shield handles the magnetic field management, separating the thermal management requirement from the geometric constraint.
4Reliability
If a magnetic shield layer is added to block geomagnetism, then electron beam stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is designed as a composite structure where the magnetic shield layer is combined with an X-ray shield layer, insulating layer, and corrosion resistant layer. Each layer performs a specific function, and the composite structure achieves multiple objectives (geomagnetic shielding, X-ray blocking, corrosion protection) without proportionally increasing complexity.
5Ease of manufacture
If the shield is made of single material, then manufacturing is simpler, but it cannot simultaneously block geomagnetism and X-rays
Solution Approach 1:
The shield employs a composite material structure with distinct layers for different functions: a magnetic shield layer for blocking geomagnetism, an X-ray shield layer for blocking scattered X-rays, an insulating layer for electrical isolation, and a corrosion resistant layer for chemical protection. This composite approach provides versatile functionality while maintaining manufacturability through standardized layer construction.
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 composite shield effectively stabilizes electron beam trajectories, preventing geomagnetic curvature and ensuring consistent sterilization across varying geomagnetic conditions, while also protecting against corrosive atmospheres and potential differences between metals.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic shield layer blocking magnetism while the X-ray shield layer blocks X-rays generated by reflection and diffraction of electron beams
Implementation Method 2
the X-ray shield layer blocks X-rays generated by reflection and diffraction of electron beams
Implementation Method 3
electron beams emitted to the container from an electron beam generator through a wide exit window
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a shield used for container sterilization equipment that inserts, from the mouth of a container (B), an irradiation nozzle (En) having an exit window (Ew) on the distal end of the irradiation nozzle (En) and sterilizes the inner surface of the container (B), the irradiation nozzle (En) being surrounded by composite shields (Wi, Wo). A composite shield block (21) forming the composite shields (Wi, Wo) includes a magnetic shield (24) and an X-ray shield (25) that are disposed in the hollow section of a board-shaped shell (22) made of a corrosion resistant material, and an insulating layer (26) that is interposed between one surface of the board-shaped shell (22) and the magnetic shield (24), between the magnetic shield (24) and the X-ray shield (25), and between the X-ray shield (25) and one surface of the board-shaped shell (22).