Electron Beam Sterilization Gripper Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electron beam sterilization methods face challenges in ensuring uniform irradiation of containers due to gripper interference, leading to insufficient dosing of certain areas, particularly when using a gripper to hold and convey containers, which complicates the setup and increases costs with the need for rotating mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An electron beam sterilization device employing a linear conveyance path with two grippers that switch grasp positions, allowing for electron beam irradiation of previously hidden areas without rotating the sterilization objects, and utilizing a reduced-pressure atmosphere to enhance beam penetration and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gripper is used to hold and convey containers during electron beam irradiation, then the containers can be conveyed and sterilized, but the gripper blocks the electron beam from reaching certain areas of the container, resulting in insufficient irradiation dose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotational movement dimension by rotating the gripper holding the container about the container's axis. This rotational motion allows the electron beam to irradiate all surfaces of the container including those initially blocked by the gripper, thereby achieving uniform dose distribution while maintaining continuous conveyance
2Manufacturing precision
If a rotating mechanism is added to rotate the container about the gripper axis to eliminate hidden areas, then complete electron beam irradiation can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is designed to perform multiple functions: it holds the container for conveyance, provides rotational movement for complete irradiation, and can be positioned at different locations along the irradiation path. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate rotation mechanisms, reducing device complexity while achieving uniform dose distribution
3Device complexity
If the gripper position is fixed during conveyance, then the conveyance system is simple, but areas of the container behind the gripper are not irradiated with the electron beam
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is designed with dynamic capabilities including rotation about the container axis and adjustable positioning along the conveyance path. This dynamic behavior allows the gripper to maintain optimal position for both conveyance and complete irradiation coverage, ensuring sterilization reliability while keeping the conveyance system relatively simple
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 approach ensures comprehensive electron beam irradiation of containers without the need for rotating mechanisms, simplifying the device configuration, reducing costs, and maintaining effective sterilization by addressing the issue of gripper interference and enhancing beam reach.
Implementation Method 1
an electron beam irradiation unit configured to irradiate the sterilization object that passes through an irradiation area, with an electron beam
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a reduced-pressure atmosphere to enhance beam penetration and uniformity
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An electron beam sterilization device in the present invention includes: a gripper group 27C to receive preforms PF as sterilization objects and then convey the preforms PF to a grasp switching position while gripping the preforms PF; a gripper group 29C to receive the preforms PF from the gripper group 27C and then convey the preforms PF downstream while gripping the preforms PF; and an electron beam irradiation unit 20 to irradiate the preforms PF that pass through an electron beam irradiation area EA, with an electron beam EB, the electron beam irradiation area containing the grasp switching position and forward and rearward positions of the grasp switching position.