Lyophilizing Machine Independent Horizontal Guide for Slider Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lyophilizing and sterilizing machines face issues with power and control signal supply to loading/unloading sliders, leading to slipping, desynchronization, and manual cleaning challenges that increase downtime and costs, while existing systems obstruct horizontal guides and require manual cleaning.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of independent horizontal guides within the treatment chamber to drive and control loading/unloading sliders using electric motors or magnetic linear motors, integrated with energy conductors and signal receivers, allowing for automatic or semi-automatic cleaning of loading planes using washing nozzles and fluid distribution systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables or accumulators are used to supply power and control signals to the loading/unloading slider, then the slider can be driven, but the system becomes complex and maintenance-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable connections and accumulators with a wireless communication system. The master controller communicates with the slider controller via wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical cables and battery accumulators. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the master controller and the slider controller. This intermediary enables power and control signal transmission without direct physical connections, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Device complexity
If the slider runs on substantially flat surfaces, then the structure is simple, but slipping and desynchronization occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional guided path by introducing raceways with vertical walls. The slider moves along these constrained paths, which prevent lateral slipping and maintain positional accuracy while adding minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates position sensors that provide feedback to the controller about the slider's actual position. This feedback mechanism enables real-time correction of any positioning deviations, ensuring synchronization with the container movement cycle without requiring overly complex mechanical structures.
3Device complexity
If manual cleaning is performed from outside the treatment chamber, then the cleaning process is simple, but downtime increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic cleaning system that performs maintenance operations independently without requiring manual intervention. The cleaning device automatically moves along the loading plane, applies cleaning solutions, and removes contaminants, enabling the system to clean itself during scheduled cycles without increasing downtime or reducing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-rinse nozzles that apply cleaning solution to the loading plane before the main cleaning action. This preliminary treatment softens and loosens contaminants, making the subsequent cleaning more effective and requiring less time, thereby reducing overall cleaning cycle time while maintaining simplicity.
4Manufacturing precision
If washing nozzles are integrated in the horizontal guide, then cleaning is thorough and uniform, but the guide structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the washing nozzles with the horizontal guide structure, integrating the cleaning function into the guiding mechanism. The nozzles are positioned within the raceway structure to deliver cleaning solution directly along the slider's path, ensuring uniform coverage. This merging achieves thorough cleaning while adding minimal complexity by utilizing existing structural space.
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 reduces maintenance time, improves productivity, and ensures thorough and uniform cleaning of loading planes, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
driven by an electric motor or a magnetic linear motor
Implementation Method 2
washing nozzles and fluid distribution systems
Data Source
AI summary
A lyophilizing and/or sterilizing machine comprises a treatment chamber, a plurality of loading planes having at least one loading surface, disposed inside the treatment chamber, one overlapping the other and positionable in a desired and known manner by means of vertical tie-rods. The lyophilizing and/or sterilizing machine also comprises a movement apparatus to move containers, the content of which is to be treated in the treatment chamber. The movement apparatus comprises at least one loading/unloading device mobile on horizontal guides comprising at least one internal horizontal guide independent and autonomous from the loading planes and located in correspondence to a lateral portion of the loading planes and between the loading surface and the vertical tie-rods.