Electron Beam Emitter Nozzle Design for Narrow Bottle Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electron beam emitters face difficulties in sterilizing bottles with narrow necks due to blockage of the electron beam, as the beam is unable to effectively enter and treat the interior of such containers.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a nozzle with a length-to-diameter ratio of at least 3:1 and a vacuum chamber-to-nozzle diameter ratio of at least 2:1, along with an electron generator that forms a converging and diverging electron beam configuration, allowing the beam to converge within the nozzle and diverge after exiting, and the use of electron directing members and a modified gaseous environment to enhance beam distribution within the bottle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional electron beam emitter is positioned above the container, then the electron beam can be generated and directed downwardly, but the narrow neck of the bottle blocks a large portion of the electron beam from entering the bottle
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the electron beam emitter above the container and directing the beam downward (conventional approach), the invention inverts the configuration by inserting the emitter through the closure at the top of the bottle, with the beam source positioned inside the container. This reversal allows the electron beam to be generated within the container interior, eliminating the blockage problem caused by the narrow neck.
Solution Approach 2:
The electron beam emitter is inserted through the closure (cap or stopper) of the bottle, nesting the beam generation system within the container structure itself. The emitter passes through the closure opening and positions the electron source inside the container interior, allowing the beam to be generated where it is needed without being blocked by the narrow neck.
2Reliability
If the electron beam is directed downwardly into the container from above, then the beam can be generated externally, but adequate sterilization of the bottle interior becomes difficult due to the narrow neck blocking the beam
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional beam delivery approach by positioning the electron source inside the container rather than outside. The emitter is inserted through the closure, and the electron beam is generated within the container interior, allowing complete and reliable sterilization of all interior surfaces including those difficult to reach from above.
Solution Approach 2:
The emitter is pre-inserted through the closure before sterilization begins, positioning the electron beam source inside the container in advance. This preliminary placement ensures that the beam can immediately and effectively treat the entire interior volume without obstruction, achieving complete sterilization reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If the electron generator housing has a diameter similar to the nozzle diameter, then the device can be compact, but the vacuum chamber diameter to nozzle diameter ratio must be at least 2:1 to allow proper beam formation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different dimensional characteristics to different parts of the device: the vacuum chamber has a larger diameter (at least twice the nozzle diameter) to accommodate proper electron beam formation and generation, while the nozzle itself has a small diameter matching the closure opening for insertion. This local differentiation of dimensions allows the device to maintain compact overall size while providing the necessary space for beam formation in the chamber region.
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 enables effective sterilization of bottles with narrow necks by ensuring the electron beam can penetrate and treat the interior surfaces, achieving thorough disinfection and neutralization of microorganisms and substances.
Implementation Method 1
an electron beam emitter having a vacuum chamber. A nozzle extends from an axial end of the vacuum chamber. An electron beam is emitted through the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
The electron generator can be shaped and dimensioned, and positioned to form the electron beam with a converging portion that converges within the nozzle, followed by diverging portion that diverges within the nozzle before reaching the exit window
Data Source
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AI summary
An electron beam emitter including a vacuum chamber having a width. An electron generator can be positioned within the vacuum chamber for generating electrons. An elongate nozzle can extend from the vacuum chamber along a longitudinal axis and have an exit window at a distal end of the nozzle. The nozzle can have a width that is less than the width of the vacuum chamber. The electron generator can be shaped and dimensioned, and positioned with the vacuum chamber to form and direct a narrow electron beam that enters and travels through the nozzle, and exits out the exit window. Used for irradiation of bottle interior.