Integrated Sterilization Holding Device for Plastic Preforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for sterilizing plastic preforms are complex and require multiple modules, leading to increased expenses and a higher risk of recontamination, as well as inefficiencies in temperature maintenance and radiation protection.
Innovation Solution
A device that integrates a holding device with a sterilization function, capable of simultaneously sterilizing both the outer and inner surfaces of plastic preforms using particle radiation, such as electron radiation, within a compact module, reducing the need for multiple sterilization units and minimizing the sterilization path length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate sterilization modules are used for internal and external sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the internal sterilization device and external sterilization device into a single integrated module. The holding device serves dual purposes: holding the preform during transport and delivering internal sterilization through integrated emitters. This merging eliminates the need for separate internal and external sterilization modules, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sterilization effectiveness through coordinated internal and external treatment within the same module.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a transport/holding mechanism and as a delivery system for internal sterilization. By integrating sterilization emitters into the holding device, it performs both holding and sterilization functions simultaneously, reducing the need for additional dedicated sterilization modules and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If multiple sterilization modules are arranged in sequence, then sterilization completeness is improved, but production efficiency and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges internal and external sterilization operations into a single module, allowing both sterilization processes to occur simultaneously during one transport cycle. This eliminates the sequential arrangement of separate modules, reducing the total sterilization path length and enabling parallel processing of internal and external surfaces, thereby improving production efficiency without compromising sterilization completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module enables continuous sterilization action by performing both internal and external sterilization simultaneously during the preform's transport through the module. This continuous parallel action eliminates idle transport time between separate sterilization modules, maintaining productive action throughout the entire sterilization process and improving overall production efficiency.
3Reliability
If a longer sterilization path is used with multiple modules, then sterilization thoroughness is improved, but temperature maintenance and radiation protection requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shortens the sterilization path by combining internal and external sterilization into a single module, reducing the distance preforms must travel through the sterilization zone. This minimized path length reduces heat loss and maintains the temperature profile established by the oven, eliminating the need for additional heating measures while ensuring thorough sterilization through concentrated radiation delivery over a short distance.
4Reliability
If multiple separate sterilization modules are used, then sterilization capability is improved, but material usage and ventilation needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple sterilization modules into a single integrated unit, reducing the total volume of sterilization chambers and associated infrastructure. This merging reduces the amount of radiation shielding material, ventilation system components, and structural materials required compared to multiple separate modules, while maintaining equivalent sterilization capability through the coordinated internal and external treatment system.
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 simplifies the sterilization process, reduces the risk of recontamination, maintains the temperature profile of the preforms, and minimizes radiation protection requirements, resulting in a more stable and efficient system with reduced material usage and ventilation needs.
Implementation Method 1
a first sterilization device (4) which is suitable for subjecting an outer surface of the plastic containers to radiation in order to sterilize this outer surface
Implementation Method 2
a second sterilization device (6) which is suitable for subjecting an inner surface of the plastic containers to radiation in order to sterilize this inner surface
Implementation Method 3
The radiation is particle radiation or charge carrier radiation and particularly preferably electron radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for sterilizing plastic containers and in particular plastic preforms (10) with a transport device (2) which transports the plastic preforms (10) along a predetermined transport path (P), with a first sterilization device (4) which is suitable for subjecting an outer surface of the plastic containers to radiation in order to sterilize this outer surface and with a second sterilization device (6) which is suitable for subjecting an inner surface of the plastic containers to radiation in order to sterilize this inner surface.According to the invention, at least one holding device (8) is arranged on the transport device (2), which has an engagement element (82) which can be inserted into an opening area of the plastic container (10) in order to hold it, wherein at least one component of the second sterilization device is integrated into this holding device.