Modular Container Cleaning Module with Mandrel Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container cleaning machines require long exposure times and large dimensions to effectively clean containers, leading to inefficient cleaning processes and inadequate handling of different container sizes.
Innovation Solution
A modular container cleaning module with a frame system for holding containers upside down, featuring liquid supply lines, mandrels with nozzles for internal cleaning, a module housing with controlled liquid inlets and outlets, and a sensor system for monitoring and controlling the cleaning process, allowing for adaptable and efficient cleaning operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional container cleaning machines use long exposure times in caustic baths, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the machine size and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic jet systems with high-pressure liquid streams to clean container surfaces. The jet cleaning mechanism uses focused fluid dynamics to remove contaminants rapidly, replacing the need for prolonged chemical exposure while maintaining cleaning effectiveness and reducing processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the cleaning process by using high-pressure liquid jets instead of prolonged chemical immersion. The jet system delivers concentrated cleaning force through increased pressure and velocity parameters, achieving the same cleaning effect in shorter time periods
2Productivity
If conventional container cleaning machines use large quantities of containers in container baskets, then cleaning capacity is improved, but the machine dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into modular segments with multiple jet cleaning stations arranged in series. Each station handles a portion of the container flow, allowing high-volume processing within a compact footprint by distributing the cleaning capacity across several focused modules rather than requiring a single large chamber
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking and three-dimensional arrangement of jet cleaning stations to increase processing capacity without proportionally increasing machine length. Containers move through a compact path with cleaning applied from multiple angles and levels, maximizing space utilization
3Adaptability or versatility
If container baskets are designed as compromise solutions for different container sizes, then versatility is improved, but cleaning precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The jet cleaning system is designed with universal applicability to handle various container types and sizes. The high-pressure liquid jets can be directed at different angles and positions to effectively clean diverse container geometries, replacing the need for size-specific basket designs while maintaining cleaning precision through adjustable jet targeting
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 modular design enables optimized cleaning processes with reduced exposure times, efficient liquid use, and adaptable handling of various container sizes, improving the overall efficiency and flexibility of container cleaning operations.
Implementation Method 1
the detection sensors are designed to detect temperatures of the liquid in the container cleaning module
Implementation Method 2
the detection sensors are designed to detect temperatures of the liquid in the container cleaning module and/or the degree of contamination of the liquid discharged through the liquid outlet
Implementation Method 3
each of the plurality of mandrels comprises at least one nozzle for internally cleaning an upside-down container applied thereto
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Container cleaning module (1) for a modular container cleaning machine comprising: - at least one frame (2) for holding upside-down containers (3), wherein each frame comprises at least one liquid supply line (4) and wherein each frame comprises several mandrels (5, 28, 33) onto which the containers can be placed, each mandrel comprising at least one nozzle (6, 29, 35, 36) for internal cleaning of a container placed thereon; - a module housing (7) comprising: at least one liquid inlet (8); at least one liquid outlet (9); at least one insertion device (10a, 10b) for holding frames; at least one openable and liquid-tight sealable access (11) for inserting or removing the at least one frame into or from the interior of the module housing; - a control device (12) and a sensor system (13) for controlling and monitoring a cleaning process by the container cleaning module.The invention further relates to a method for operating the container cleaning module.