Modular Air Treatment Assembly for Sterilization and Depyrogenation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sterilization and depyrogenation devices are costly due to the need for different devices with superheating capabilities for maintenance, leading to increased production and storage costs, and lack versatility in maintenance protocols.
Innovation Solution
An assembly with a modular air treatment system that includes a main unit coupled to interchangeable cooling and heating modules, allowing for either standard cooling or extraordinary sterilization operations, reducing the need for multiple devices and simplifying maintenance protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cooling station is equipped with superheating means for extraordinary sterilization operations, then sterilization capability is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a permanent cooling station and interchangeable air treatment modules. The superheating means are not integrated into the cooling station itself but are provided in separate modules that can be coupled to the cooling station when needed. This segmentation allows the cooling station to remain simple while gaining access to advanced sterilization capabilities through module attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device configuration is made dynamic and reconfigurable. The cooling station can operate in different modes by coupling with different air treatment modules - a cooling module for standard operations and a superheating module for extraordinary sterilization operations. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its capabilities based on operational requirements without permanently increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different devices are provided for standard cooling and extraordinary sterilization operations, then functional versatility is improved, but production cost and storage cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling station is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions by interfacing with different air treatment modules. The same cooling station structure serves both standard cooling operations and extraordinary sterilization operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices. The interchangeable modules provide the necessary functional diversity while sharing common infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the cooling function and the superheating function into a single integrated system through the modular architecture. Instead of maintaining separate devices for cooling and sterilization, the system combines these functions by allowing different air treatment modules to be coupled to the same cooling station, thereby reducing the total quantity of equipment needed and associated storage costs.
3Reliability
If maintenance operations are performed on conventional devices, then device reliability is improved, but contamination risk increases due to exposure of containers to external agents
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design enables preliminary preparation of maintenance procedures. The air treatment modules can be serviced, cleaned, or replaced independently while the cooling station remains operational or is easily reconfigured. This allows maintenance to be performed on isolated modules rather than requiring disassembly of the entire system, minimizing exposure of containers to external agents during maintenance operations.
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
The assembly minimizes costs by allowing a single device to perform both standard and extraordinary sterilization operations, offering enhanced versatility and reconfigurability while maintaining safety and practicality.
Implementation Method 1
said inner air conveyance circuit being intercepted by a radiator and by a fan
Implementation Method 2
said inner air conveyance circuit being intercepted by a radiator and by a fan
Implementation Method 3
at least one module comprises, along said inner air conveyance circuit, at least one heating device
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly (1) for sterilizing and depyrogenating containers (A) comprises a feeding station (2), a heating station (3) and a cooling station (4). The stations (2, 3, 4) are passed through by a conveyor (5) of containers (A). The cooling station (4) comprises a main unit (10) which is coupled without discontinuities to the heating station (3) and at least one interchangeable air treatment module (11, 12). The main unit (10) comprises at least one inlet aperture (13), which is connected without interruptions to an air diffuser (14) arranged above at least a portion of the conveyor (5), and at least one outlet port (15). Each module (11, 12) comprises at least one supply hose (16, 17), with shape and dimensions complementary to those of the at least one inlet aperture (13), in order to be detachably coupled thereto, and at least one suction channel (18, 19), with shape and dimensions complementary to those of the at least one outlet port (15), in order to be detachably coupled thereto.