Internal Gripping Holding Element for Electron Beam Container Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization methods for containers, particularly using accelerated charge carriers, face challenges in effectively sterilizing the entire surface of containers due to shadowing by transport system components and the need for additional radiation shielding, leading to incomplete sterilization and increased radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilizes a transport system with holding elements that can be inserted into the container to prevent shadowing, allowing direct exposure of the outer container surface to accelerated charge carriers, and includes a separate system for internal sterilization, ensuring all surfaces are treated without interference from transport elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the container is transported on a conveyor belt with external holding elements, then the transport and sterilization process can be simplified, but the holding elements create shadowing that prevents complete sterilization of the container surface
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of holding the container from the outside with transport elements that block radiation, the invention inverts the approach by inserting holding elements into the container interior. This allows the exterior surface to be fully exposed to the charge carrier beam, eliminating shadowing while maintaining secure transport grip through internal contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding elements are nested inside the container, with gripping sections that can be inserted through the container opening and engage with the inner wall. This nesting approach allows the holding mechanism to be contained within the container volume, keeping the exterior surface completely accessible to sterilization radiation.
2Reliability
If chemical disinfectants are used for sterilization, then the sterilization process can be effective, but additional time is required for application, dwell time, and removal of residual disinfectant
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces chemical sterilization processes with a physical sterilization method using accelerated charge carriers (electrons). This substitution eliminates the need for chemical application, dwell time, and residue removal steps, reducing the overall sterilization time while maintaining effectiveness through direct ionizing radiation of the container surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sterilization parameter from chemical concentration and contact time to radiation dose and energy. By using accelerated electrons with specific energy levels, the process achieves sterilization through physical ionization rather than chemical reaction, eliminating time-consuming chemical handling steps.
3Reliability
If the charge carrier beam must penetrate the container wall for internal sterilization, then internal surfaces can be sterilized, but the bottom and other inaccessible areas cannot be effectively treated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directing the charge carrier beam from outside to penetrate the container wall for internal sterilization, the invention inverts the approach by inserting holding elements inside the container and directing the beam from the outside to treat the exterior surface. This ensures complete accessibility to all external surfaces including the bottom, while internal sterilization is achieved through the inserted holding elements that conduct or reflect radiation internally.
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 enables complete and efficient sterilization of the outer container surface without shadowing, reducing the need for chemical disinfectants and minimizing radiation exposure, while maintaining sterility during transport and filling processes.
Implementation Method 1
a device for sterilizing containers, and in particular the outer wall of containers, by means of accelerated charge carriers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The sterilization apparatus (1) comprises carrier sources (6,7) for generating charge carriers, and an acceleration device for accelerating the generated charge carriers on the outer wall of the containers (2). A transport device (19) moves the carrier sources relative to each other along a predetermined transport path (5). A holding element which holds the containers, is partially inserted into the interior of the container such that the holding element is brought into contact with the inner wall of the container, for sterilization of the outer wall of container. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a plant for treating containers; and (2) a method for sterilization of containers, through accelerated charge carriers.