High Voltage Power System for Electron Beam Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems for electron beam emitters, used for sterilizing packaging containers, often require large and costly radiation shields due to the potential for high voltage malfunctions leading to excessive radiation, which increases weight and costs.
Innovation Solution
A power system with a voltage multiplier, multiple independent voltage measurement devices, and an assessment unit to ensure the output voltage stays below a threshold, using actuators and shut-off mechanisms to prevent excessive voltage, thereby reducing the need for oversized shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high voltage power system is used to accelerate electrons in an electron beam emitter, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but radiation intensity increases requiring larger and more costly shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary monitoring and control actions by continuously measuring the output voltage of the voltage multiplier with multiple measurement devices and comparing it against a predetermined threshold value before excessive radiation can occur. The assessment unit proactively evaluates whether the measured voltage exceeds the threshold and triggers a shut-off signal in advance, preventing the harmful radiation effect from occurring in the first place
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful high voltage that could cause excessive radiation into a beneficial controlled parameter by using multiple voltage measurement devices to continuously monitor it. The measured voltage information is transformed into useful feedback that enables the assessment unit to make informed decisions about system operation, turning a risk factor into a controlled variable that ensures safety
2Object-affected harmful factors
If oversized radiation shielding is provided to account for potential voltage malfunctions, then safety is improved, but system weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective action by establishing a redundant measurement and assessment system that continuously monitors voltage levels and is prepared to trigger shut-off before a malfunction can cause excessive radiation. This preemptive approach allows the use of optimized rather than oversized shielding, as the system proactively prevents the worst-case scenario from occurring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control by using multiple voltage measurement devices to continuously monitor the output voltage of the voltage multiplier and feeding this information back to the assessment unit. The assessment unit compares the measured voltage against a predetermined threshold and triggers a shut-off signal if the threshold is exceeded, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains safety without requiring excessive shielding margin
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 solution provides a reliable and cost-efficient power system that minimizes radiation intensity, allowing for smaller, lighter shielding and enhancing safety by preventing voltage exceedance, thus reducing overall system weight and cost.
Implementation Method 1
The high voltage is used to accelerate electrons from an electron generator (filament) within the electron beam emitter towards an electron exit window
Implementation Method 2
Electron beam emitters produce undesirable rays, in particular X-rays, which are harmful and therefore require a shielding of the emitter
Data Source
AI summary
Power system for supplying high voltage to an electron beam emitter, which is adapted to sterilize a packaging container or a packaging material by electron beam irradiation, the power system comprising a voltage multiplier for generating a high voltage, a first voltage measurement device for measuring an output voltage level of the voltage multiplier and providing a first measured voltage value, and an actuator for modifying the output voltage level of the voltage multiplier based on the first measured voltage value provided by the first voltage measurement device, characterized in that the power system further comprises a second voltage measurement device adapted to independently measure the output voltage level of the voltage multiplier and provide a second measured voltage value.