Plasma Applicator Closure for Container Disinfection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for sterilizing food containers require additional substances like hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet radiation, which are costly and result in unsatisfactory sterilization effects with residue formation, necessitating rinsing operations.

Innovation Solution

A disinfection device using non-thermal, atmospheric plasma to reduce germ loads by at least a factor of 10^5, where the plasma applicator is designed to fit as a closure for the container, ensuring effective disinfection without the need for additional substances and minimizing residue formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional sterilization methods using hydrogen peroxide or ultraviolet radiation are used, then the germ load in containers is reduced, but additional substances are required which increase cost and require disposal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidadditional substances required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the need for additional chemical substances (hydrogen peroxide, peracid) from the sterilization process by using atmospheric pressure plasma, which achieves sterilization through physical means alone, thereby resolving the contradiction between sterilization effectiveness and substance requirement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces chemical sterilization methods with a physical plasma-based method, substituting chemical substances with a controlled plasma discharge process that achieves the same sterilization effect without requiring additional chemicals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional sterilization methods are used, then germ load is reduced, but residues are formed which necessitate rinsing operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidresidue formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the potential harm of residue formation into a benefit by using atmospheric pressure plasma that leaves no residues, eliminating the need for rinsing operations while maintaining effective sterilization, thus resolving the contradiction between sterilization effectiveness and residue generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention substitutes chemical sterilization processes that leave residues with a physical plasma process that is inherently residue-free, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of residue formation while preserving sterilization effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If plasma applicator closes the container opening to discharge plasma, then high plasma concentration is achieved in the container interior, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection effectVSAvoidplasma applicator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plasma applicator is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the plasma generation device and the closure element for the container, thereby achieving high plasma concentration for effective disinfection while minimizing device complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the plasma applicator with the container closure function, combining two separate components (plasma generator and lid) into a single integrated device, which achieves effective disinfection without significantly increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Achieves a high disinfection effect with reduced germ loads, eliminating the need for additional chemicals and rinsing, while being adaptable to various container sizes and types, ensuring the interior and exterior surfaces are effectively sanitized.

Implementation Method 1

a plasma source (4) which applies a non-thermal, atmospheric plasma through an outlet opening (5) into the interior of the container (2) when the plasma applicator (3) is placed on the container opening of the container (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-thermal atmospheric plasma: Plasma

Data Source

PatentEP2678046B1Disinfection appliance, container, use of a container and disinfection method for disinfecting a container, in particular for a food container

Publication Date: 2015.01.21 MAX PLANCK GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV

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AI summary

The invention relates to a disinfection appliance (1) for disinfecting an inner chamber of a container (2) which serves for receiving an article, in particular a perishable good (9), preferably a food container, wherein the disinfection appliance (1) has a plasma applicator (3) for application of a non-thermal atmospheric plasma to the inner chamber of the container (2).