Electron Beam Sterilization Apparatus with Ventilated X-Ray Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electron beam sterilization devices face issues with ozone gas accumulation due to inadequate ventilation, leading to corrosion, despite effective X-ray blocking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The electron beam sterilization apparatus incorporates a tubular blocking member with ventilation spaces and arcuate blocking plates on a rotation conveyor plate to block X-rays while allowing ozone gas to flow out, reducing accumulation and corrosion risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a cylindrical blocking member is mounted on a rotation table to block X-rays, then X-ray blocking capability is improved, but ventilation space is reduced causing ozone gas accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray blocking capabilityVSAvoidozone gas accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member is divided into multiple arcuate blocking plates arranged around the central axis, creating segmented structure with ventilation spaces between the plates. This segmentation allows simultaneous X-ray blocking and ozone gas ventilation, resolving the contradiction between radiation protection and gas discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member incorporates ventilation spaces formed between arcuate blocking plates, creating a porous-like structure that allows ozone gas to pass through while maintaining X-ray blocking capability. This enables the blocking member to function as both radiation shield and ventilation pathway.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple rotation tables with blocking members are used to sufficiently block X-rays, then X-ray blocking capability is improved, but device complexity and chamber数量 increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray blocking capabilityVSAvoidnumber of rotation tables and chambers
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple arcuate blocking plates are merged into a single integrated blocking member structure mounted on one rotation table. This consolidation achieves sufficient X-ray blocking through the combined effect of multiple plates while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate rotation tables and chambers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member extends in the radial direction with multiple arcuate plates arranged circumferentially, utilizing the radial dimension to achieve enhanced X-ray blocking without increasing the number of rotation tables. This dimensional approach allows single-table configuration with multiple blocking elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the blocking member has integral structure with no ventilation space, then X-ray blocking capability is improved, but ozone gas discharge capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray blocking capabilityVSAvoidozone gas discharge capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integral structure is segmented into multiple arcuate blocking plates with gaps between them, creating ventilation spaces that allow ozone gas to pass through. This segmentation maintains X-ray blocking capability while enabling gas discharge functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the blocking member have different properties: the arcuate plates provide X-ray blocking in radiation-exposed areas, while the spaces between plates provide ventilation pathways in gas-accumulation areas. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between blocking and venting functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively minimizes ozone gas accumulation and prevents corrosion within the device, ensuring safer operation and longer equipment lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a tubular blocking member is provided on a lower surface of the rotation conveyor plate so as to block radioactive rays produced by application of the electron beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

an electron beam application device configured to apply an electron beam to the container being conveyed by the rotation conveyor plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron beam: Electron Beam

Implementation Method 3

the electron beams cause a chemical reaction of the air that produces ozone gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOzone generation: Ozone

Data Source

PatentEP3208810B1Electron beam sterilization apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 HITACHI ZOSEN CORP
  • EP3208810B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3208810B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3208810B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

One object is to provide an electron beam sterilization apparatus for sterilizing a preform product (P) by applying an electron beam while conveying the preform product (P), the apparatus comprising: an input star wheel (21) configured to convey the preform product (P) in a circular path; and an outer-surface electron beam application device and an inner-surface electron beam application device configured to apply an electron beam to the preform product (P) being conveyed by the input star wheel (21). A blocking short tube (31) is provided on a lower surface of the star wheel plate (22) of the input star wheel (21) so as to block radioactive rays produced by application of the electron beam and surround a central axis (lv) of the input star wheel (21). The blocking short tube (31) includes a ventilation space (34) formed therein.