Container Sterilization Transfer Layout for Compact Multi-Unit Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container sterilization systems are bulky and inefficient, with long transport paths leading to cooling of preforms, increased risk of misalignment during transfer, and high footprints, especially when using multiple sterilization units within a housing.
Innovation Solution
A container treatment apparatus with integrated container outer and inner surface treatment devices that allow holding devices to temporarily access housing openings for direct transfer and orientation changes, reducing the need for internal transport devices and optimizing drive device placement for a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sterilization units are arranged within a common housing to sterilize different areas of containers one after another, then sterilization functionality is improved, but the apparatus becomes very voluminous and requires a large footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sterilization units (outer surface treatment device and inner surface treatment device) within a single housing that shares common structures. The transport device serves both sterilization units, and the housing provides unified radiation shielding and contamination protection, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining multiple sterilization functions
Solution Approach 2:
The transport device is designed to serve multiple functions: it transports containers between sterilization units, positions containers for treatment, and can access housing openings for direct transfer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each sterilization unit, reducing the overall apparatus volume
2Adaptability or versatility
If several sterilization units are arranged within a housing to treat different areas of containers, then sterilization capability is improved, but the transport path becomes very long resulting in preform cooling and increased transfer complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a three-dimensional arrangement of sterilization units within the housing, with the transport device moving containers through vertical and radial dimensions rather than only linearly. This allows shorter transport paths by utilizing spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions, reducing the distance containers must travel between sterilization units
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent transfers are performed within the housing to move containers between sterilization units, then sterilization coverage is improved, but the risk of faulty transfers and misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device serves as an intermediary mechanism that reliably connects all sterilization units. It provides controlled, monitored transfer points with proper alignment features, reducing the risk of misalignment and faulty transfers while enabling frequent transfers between units for comprehensive sterilization coverage
4Productivity
If holding devices are positioned inside the housing for direct access to containers, then transfer efficiency is improved, but radiation shielding and contamination protection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented with controlled access points (openings) that allow holding devices to access containers only when needed. The housing maintains continuous radiation shielding and contamination protection, with openings providing limited, controlled access windows that do not compromise overall protection while enabling efficient transfers
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 apparatus achieves a more compact and efficient container sterilization process with reduced transfer errors and increased throughput by minimizing internal transport devices and optimizing drive device placement, while maintaining sterility and radiation shielding.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sterilisation process includes an application with radiation. A radiation source provided for this purpose is also usually arranged at least in sections in a housing and emits the radiation into the interior of the housing
Implementation Method 2
this radiation consists of accelerated electrons which are generated in a corresponding system and treat the containers to be sterilised
Implementation Method 3
The X-ray radiation generated during sterilisation must be shielded from the environment by suitable shielding
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a container treatment apparatus, in particular a container sterilisation apparatus, having a plurality of transport devices for transporting a container along a predetermined transport path, at least one of the transport devices having at least one holding device for holding at least one container during container treatment and/or transport along the transport path, the transport device having a rotatable carrier and a plurality of holding elements arranged on this carrier, wherein a holding element in a first sector, in which a container is received, having a height with respect to a perpendicular projection of the transport path which is different from that in a second sector in which a container is dispensed, and wherein a sector in which an at least partial compensation of the height difference of the holding elements takes place lies along a direction of rotation of the carrier after the second sector and before the first sector. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the treatment, in particular the sterilisation, of containers.