Electron Beam Receiver for Sterilizer Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electron beam sterilizers face inefficiencies during maintenance, as the application of an electron beam to the article feeder can cause overheating, and maintenance tasks on the feeder are hindered by ozone leakage and complex shield installation/removal processes.
Innovation Solution
An electron beam sterilizer design featuring an adjustment irradiation box with an electron beam receiver, cooling mechanism, and exhaust mechanism, allowing for maintenance of the article feeder while preventing ozone leakage and overheating, by coupling the adjustment box to the electron beam irradiation unit during maintenance, and enabling efficient operation through selective sterilization and maintenance modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electron beam is applied to the new metal foil for adjustments after replacing the old metal foil, then the electron beam irradiation unit can be adjusted and calibrated, but the electron beam remains continuously applied to a localized area of the article feeder causing it to overheat and thermally deform
Solution Approach 1:
An electron beam receiver is introduced as an intermediary component to intercept the electron beam during adjustment operations. The receiver absorbs the beam energy that would otherwise be directed at the article feeder, preventing thermal deformation while allowing the beam to be applied for calibration purposes. The receiver is positioned between the electron beam source and the article feeder, acting as a protective mediator.
2Reliability
If the article feeder is stopped during maintenance work on the electron beam irradiation unit, then the electron beam can be applied for adjustments, but other maintenance tasks on the article feeder cannot be performed simultaneously, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The electron beam receiver serves as a protective intermediary that enables concurrent maintenance operations. By absorbing the electron beam during adjustment, it allows the article feeder to remain operational or undergo maintenance simultaneously, eliminating the need to stop the feeder for beam adjustments and thereby improving overall maintenance efficiency.
3Reliability
If a removable electron beam shield is disposed between the irradiation window and the article to prevent electron beam from directly reaching the article during maintenance, then article quality is protected, but the shield needs to be removed after maintenance work causing ozone to leak out and adversely affecting the working environment
Solution Approach 1:
The electron beam receiver acts as a permanent intermediary that remains in place during both maintenance and operation, eliminating the need for removable shields. It absorbs the electron beam during adjustments and can be repositioned or removed without causing ozone leakage issues, as it provides continuous protection rather than requiring installation and removal cycles.
4Reliability
If the electron beam shield is positioned in the processing zone of the feed path, then it can protect articles during maintenance, but it is not easy to install and remove the shield, and maintenance work on the article feeder cannot be carried out concurrently
Solution Approach 1:
The electron beam receiver is designed as a permanently mounted component with adjustable positioning capabilities, eliminating the need for frequent installation and removal operations. It can be repositioned along the beam path as needed while remaining in place during operations, significantly improving ease of operation compared to removable shields that require complete installation and removal cycles.
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 design prevents overheating of the article feeder, allows for concurrent maintenance tasks, and ensures ozone containment, enhancing operational efficiency and safety during electron beam irradiation unit adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the electron beam shield includes a cooling mechanism for dissipating the heat generated when the electron beam shield is irradiated with the electron beam
Implementation Method 2
since ozone that is produced by the applied electron beam leaks out when the electron beam shield is removed
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
In a sterilization mode, plastic containers 2 fed by an article feeder 20 which is housed in a shield chamber 10 are sterilized by being irradiated with an electron beam that is radiated from an irradiation window 18 of an electron beam irradiation unit 34 which is coupled to an opening 32a of the shield chamber 10. In a maintenance mode, an adjustment irradiation box 60 is detachably mounted on the electron beam irradiation unit 34 in covering relation to the irradiation window 18 of the electron beam irradiation unit 34. The adjustment irradiation box 60 houses therein an electron beam receiver 66 for receiving the electron beam radiated from the irradiation window 18, a cooling mechanism 70 for cooling the electron beam receiver 66, and an exhaust mechanism 72 for discharging an atmosphere in the adjustment irradiation box 60. Maintenance work can be carried out on the electron beam irradiation unit 34 after the electron beam irradiation unit 34 is disconnected from the shield chamber 10.