Modular Gaiter Seal Structure to Prevent Buckling and Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling systems face contamination risks due to the exposure of non-sterile tube portions entering the sterile space, and gaiter seals prone to buckling under pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A gaiter seal composed of multiple individual modules with a sliding-and-supporting element, allowing adjustable length and enhanced stability, along with fluid passages for cleaning and sterilization, reduces buckling and ensures sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a long gaiter seal is used to maintain sterility over the full axial movement range, then the sterile space coverage is improved, but the gaiter seal becomes prone to buckling under pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The gaiter seal is divided into multiple individual gaiter modules that can be connected in series. Each module has a standardized length and maintains inherent stability, while multiple modules can be assembled to achieve the required total length for sterilization coverage without compromising structural stability under pressure changes.
2Reliability
If the gaiter seal length is increased to cover the full axial movement range, then the sterile space protection is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates due to buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The gaiter seal is divided into multiple individual gaiter modules that can be connected in series. Each module has a standardized length and maintains inherent stability, while multiple modules can be assembled to achieve the required total length for sterilization coverage without compromising structural stability under pressure changes.
3Device complexity
If a single-piece gaiter seal is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different lengths and loading conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gaiter seal is divided into multiple individual gaiter modules that can be connected in series. Each module has a standardized length and maintains inherent stability, while multiple modules can be assembled to achieve the required total length for sterilization coverage without compromising structural stability under pressure changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The gaiter seal system allows dynamic adjustment of the number of modules based on the specific application requirements. Users can select the appropriate number of modules to match the axial movement range and pressure conditions, making the system adaptable to different filling elements and container sizes.
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 solution provides a stable and sterile gaiter seal that prevents contamination and buckling, facilitating effective cleaning and disinfection, even under varying pressures, while maintaining sterility during the filling process.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding-and-supporting element, which, if it is provided in the interior of the gaiter, is radially supported off the rod-shaped and/or tubular functional element surrounded by the gaiter seal
Implementation Method 2
the sliding-and-supporting element inside the gaiter seal also has at least one passage connecting the individual gaiter modules to allow the flow of fluid therethrough
Implementation Method 3
this passage, which is preferably formed by at least one second opening, is inclined by relative to the longitudinal axis of the gaiter seal or of the functional element. This promotes a swirling motion in the medium inside the gaiter seal
Data Source
AI summary
A gaiter seal for shielding a functional element of a container-processing machine extends between parts of a working head of the container-processing machine includes axially-adjacent gaiter modules that extend along an axis and support-and-sliding elements at interfaces between adjacent gaiter modules. The support-and-sliding elements radially support and guide the first and second gaiter-modules along the functional element.