Electron Beam Irradiation Device for Uniform Container Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electron beam irradiation devices face challenges in uniformly sterilizing the outer surfaces of medical drug containers, particularly the front and rear sides, due to the need for larger irradiation windows and increased acceleration voltage, which increases costs and reduces the service life of low-energy electron accelerators.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a configuration with small-sized low-energy electron accelerators, a supporting portion for the bottom surface, and a holding portion for side surfaces, along with movement and rotation mechanisms to maintain equal distances for irradiation, ensuring uniform electron beam projection to all surfaces, including the use of a decontamination reagent for the bottom surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If larger irradiation windows and increased acceleration voltage are used to sterilize front and rear sides, then sterilization coverage is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the container movable relative to the electron accelerator by introducing conveyance means and rotation means. The container is conveyed in front of the irradiation window and rotated to irradiate different surfaces sequentially, transforming a static irradiation system into a dynamic one that achieves complete coverage without enlarging the irradiation window
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds temporal dimension to the irradiation process by sequential irradiation. Instead of irradiating all surfaces simultaneously from multiple fixed accelerators, the container is conveyed through the irradiation zone and rotated to present different surfaces to the accelerator at different times, achieving three-dimensional coverage through one-dimensional movement
2Reliability
If larger irradiation windows and increased acceleration voltage are used, then sterilization effect is improved, but service life of electron accelerators decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the electron accelerator by maintaining a constant, lower acceleration voltage while achieving complete sterilization through movement and rotation. This avoids the need to increase voltage, thereby extending the service life of the accelerator while maintaining effective sterilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous irradiation by moving the container through the irradiation zone and rotating it to present all surfaces to the beam. This continuous action at constant power output achieves complete sterilization without requiring voltage increases that would accelerate component degradation
3Productivity
If three units of electron accelerators disposed at 120 degrees are used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces three static accelerators with one accelerator combined with dynamic conveyance and rotation mechanisms. The container is conveyed and rotated to present all surfaces to the single accelerator sequentially, achieving the same productivity as three simultaneous accelerators but with reduced device complexity and lower cost
Solution Approach 2:
The single electron accelerator serves multiple functions by irradiating different surfaces of the container at different times through the conveyance and rotation mechanisms. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple dedicated accelerators, reducing system complexity while maintaining productivity
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
This configuration allows for reliable and safe sterilization of all container surfaces with reduced costs and extended service life of the electron accelerators, maintaining consistent sterilization levels and preventing ozone entry into the package.
Implementation Method 1
sterilizing an outer surface of a container (P) accommodating a sterilized article by electron beam irradiation
Data Source
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AI summary
An electron beam irradiation device which can uniformly project electron beams to the entire outer surface of a container by using a small-sized low-energy electron accelerator, can maintain reliability and safety of a sterilization effect high by making sterilization levels of portions to the same and can keep a cost of the electron accelerator and an initial cost and a maintenance cost of the device low by prolonging a usage limit (service life) is provided. When each of the side surface portions of the container is irradiated with the electron beams by supporting a bottom surface portion of the container by a supporting portion, a position of the container is moved by the supporting portion so that a distance between each of the side surface portions of the container and an irradiation window of the electron accelerator is made substantially equal. Subsequently, when an upper surface portion and a bottom surface portion of the container are irradiated with the electron beams by holding the side surface portion of the container by a holding portion, the position of the container is moved by the holding portion so that the distances between the upper surface portion and the bottom surface portion of the container and the irradiation windows of the electron accelerators become substantially equal.