Container Cell Metal Profiling for Energy Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container cells in cleaning machines have a high mass and heat capacity, leading to significant energy losses due to temperature differences across treatment zones, and current production methods do not offer sufficient strength or weight reduction.
Innovation Solution
A container cell design utilizing high-strength metal sheets with tailored profiling, such as beads, ribs, or embossing, to reduce mass and heat capacity while maintaining mechanical and thermal stability, achieved through stamping and bending processes, and the use of tailor-made sheets with different material properties and thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional sheet metal is used for container cells, then mechanical strength is sufficient, but mass and heat capacity are too high causing energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a plastic base material with integrated metal reinforcement profiles (beads, ribs, or embossing) to create a hybrid structure that reduces overall mass while maintaining mechanical strength. The metal profiles are embedded within or attached to the plastic container cell walls, creating a composite construction that optimizes the weight-strength relationship.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by strategically placing metal reinforcement profiles only in specific areas of the container cell where mechanical strength is most needed, rather than uniformly reinforcing the entire structure. This localized reinforcement approach reduces overall material usage and mass while maintaining structural integrity at critical points.
2Loss of energy
If conventional sheet metal is used for container cells, then mechanical stability is maintained, but heat capacity is high leading to energy losses in cleaning machines
Solution Approach 1:
The composite construction of plastic with integrated metal profiles creates a material system with optimized thermal properties. The plastic matrix provides thermal insulation while the distributed metal profiles maintain structural stability, resulting in reduced heat capacity and improved thermal management during cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
By locally distributing metal reinforcement profiles throughout the container cell structure rather than using solid metal construction, the patent reduces overall heat capacity while maintaining thermal stability where needed. The spaced distribution of metal elements minimizes thermal mass while preserving structural integrity during temperature variations in cleaning processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If metal sheet is used for container cells, then mechanical strength is achieved, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple manufacturing operations into a single integrated process by combining the plastic forming operation with the metal profile integration step. The metal profiles are embedded or attached to the plastic material during the molding process itself, eliminating separate assembly steps and simplifying production despite the composite nature of the final product.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated metal profiles serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical reinforcement, structural stability, and act as inherent attachment points for mounting the container cell. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components and assembly operations, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a container cell for a container cleaning machine, particularly a bottle cleaning machine, comprising a cell interior space surrounded by a cell wall or a cell jacket (4) for receiving a container to be cleaned, wherein the cell jacket (4) is made of sheet metal at least with respect to the majority of the container cell length.