Aseptic Container Conveyor Cover Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing systems face challenges in minimizing gas exchange between enclosed spaces when conveying containers, particularly when different atmospheres are involved, as mechanical flaps and gas locks are either inadequate or complex to implement.
Innovation Solution
A container conveyor system with container carrier elements and covers that minimize gas exchange by ensuring containers protrude minimally or not at all, utilizing a pressure gradient and narrow gaps to maintain a controlled atmosphere during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical flaps or curtains are used to separate enclosed spaces, then gas exchange between rooms is reduced, but the solution is inadequate for maintaining sterile environments
Solution Approach 1:
A container cover acts as an intermediary element between the container and the surrounding environment. The cover extends beyond the container edges to create an overlapping seal with adjacent container covers, forming a gas-tight barrier that prevents gas exchange while maintaining the sterile environment during conveyor transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The container cover functions as a flexible barrier that can adapt to the container shape and movement. The cover's extended edges create overlapping seals that flexibly accommodate conveyor motion while maintaining the gas-tight seal, replacing rigid mechanical flaps with a more effective flexible sealing mechanism.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If gas curtains or locks are used to prevent gas exchange, then sterile environment is maintained, but the device becomes complex to manufacture and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from complex mechanical gas curtains or locks and integrated directly into the container cover structure. Each container cover independently provides the sealing function by extending beyond container edges and overlapping with adjacent covers, eliminating the need for separate complex gas curtain mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The container cover system is self-sealing through its geometric design. The covers automatically overlap and seal against each other during conveyor transport without requiring external control mechanisms, actuators, or complex mechanical interventions, thereby simplifying both manufacturing and maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If containers protrude significantly above the carrier surface, then easy loading is achieved, but gas exchange increases during conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The container cover extends beyond the container edges to create an overlapping seal, effectively compensating for minimal container protrusion. This flexible sealing approach allows containers to sit flush or slightly recessed in their carriers while still preventing gas exchange through the extended cover overlap mechanism.
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
Effectively reduces gas exchange between enclosed spaces, maintaining a sterile environment for food processing by using a container conveyor with minimal protrusion and precise gap management, enabling efficient and simultaneous handling of containers and lids.
Implementation Method 1
Practice has shown that it is advantageous if the adjacent spaces are only connected via gaps which have a width - measured as the distance between the container support element and the container cover - of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A food processing plant with several enclosed chambers, between which a container conveyor is installed, is proposed, particularly for the aseptic filling of food products. This container conveyor has several container support elements with a flat surface and recesses for containers, such that the containers do not protrude at all or protrude less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm, above the flat surface. A container cover protects the flat surface during the conveyance of a container support element from one chamber to the adjacent chamber.