Container and Preform Treatment Chamber with Dual-Range Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatment devices for containers and preforms require a long time for sensors to display accurate sterilizing agent concentrations after sterilization, posing health risks to operating personnel due to high concentrations of agents like hydrogen peroxide.
Innovation Solution
A treatment device with dual measuring devices and a separating mechanism that allows the first measuring device to measure low concentrations quickly by isolating it from high concentrations, using a second measuring device to monitor higher concentrations, ensuring rapid and accurate readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single measuring device with a fixed concentration range is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the measuring time is long because the sensor must escape sterilizing agent to display correct values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measuring system into two separate measuring devices, each optimized for different concentration ranges. The first measuring device measures low concentrations (0.01-10 ppm) while the second measures high concentrations (10-5000 ppm). This segmentation allows each sensor to operate in its optimal range without being contaminated by extreme concentrations, significantly reducing measuring time while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a separating device as an intermediary component that controls fluid communication between the treatment device interior and the first measuring device. This mediator switches between connected and disconnected states based on concentration levels, protecting the first measuring device from high concentration damage while enabling quick switching between measurement phases, thus reducing overall measuring time without requiring both sensors to constantly handle all concentration levels
2Measurement precision
If the first measuring device is continuously exposed to the interior space, then it can measure low concentrations quickly, but it is damaged by high concentrations of sterilizing agent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism where the separating device changes its state based on real-time concentration conditions. When high concentrations are detected, the separating device disconnects the first measuring device from the interior space, protecting it from damage. When low concentrations are present, the separating device connects the first measuring device to enable accurate low-concentration measurements. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and sensor durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different functional qualities to different measuring devices based on their concentration range capabilities. The first measuring device is optimized with high sensitivity for low concentration detection, while the second measuring device is optimized for high concentration tolerance. The separating device selectively connects the appropriate device to the interior space based on local concentration conditions, ensuring each sensor operates in its optimal quality zone without exposure to damaging conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If a second measuring device for high concentrations is added, then high concentration measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the control device to universally manage both measuring devices and the separating mechanism through a single control logic. The control device receives signals from both measuring devices, determines which device is appropriate based on concentration levels, and controls the separating device accordingly. This multi-functional control approach allows the system to handle the complexity of dual sensors and switching mechanisms through a unified control interface, making the increased system complexity manageable while achieving broad concentration range coverage
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
Enables faster and more accurate monitoring of sterilizing agent concentrations, allowing safe and timely entry of personnel into the treatment device.
Implementation Method 1
a first measuring device for measuring a concentration of a fluid in a first concentration range in the interior space
Implementation Method 2
a second measuring device connected to the interior space via a fluid communication connection for measuring a concentration of the fluid in a second concentration range in the interior space
Implementation Method 3
a separating device for the first measuring device, wherein the separating device provides a fluid communication connection between the first measuring device and the interior space in a first operating state and separates the fluid communication connection in a second operating state
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a treatment device (10) for containers and/or preforms, comprising a housing (12) with an interior (14) and a first measuring device (16) for measuring a concentration of a fluid in a first concentration range (18) in the interior (14), wherein the treatment device (10) has a second measuring device (20) fluidly connected to the interior (14) for measuring a concentration of the fluid in a second concentration range (22) in the interior (14) and a separating device (24) for the first measuring device (16), wherein the separating device (24) provides a fluid-communication connection between the first measuring device (16) and the interior (14) in a first operating state and separates the fluid-communication connection in a second operating state, wherein the second concentration range (22) has at least one sub-range (26),which exhibits higher concentrations than the first concentration range (18). The invention provides a treatment device (10) for containers and/or preforms in which, after sterilization, correct values for the concentration of the sterilizing agent in the treatment device (10) are displayed more quickly than in the prior art.