Power Supply Unit Solid Insulation Layer for Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization devices for packaging materials face challenges with heavy and costly power supply units due to inadequate insulation techniques, which can lead to corona and arc issues, and are not suitable for use with hazardous materials like food or drugs, requiring a solution for improved electric insulation with reduced weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization device with a power supply unit featuring a solid insulation layer for electric components, including high voltage components, arranged in separate chambers with insulation shields and an insulation gas, such as nitrogen, to minimize weight and prevent corona and arc discharges, while ensuring the insulation does not leak and contaminate the materials being sterilized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional insulation techniques are used for high voltage components, then electric insulation is provided, but the power supply unit becomes heavy and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of insulation material from liquid to solid by allowing the insulation gas (e.g., nitrogen) to solidify at low temperatures, forming an ice layer that provides electrical insulation. This phase change enables the system to achieve insulation without heavy traditional insulating materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an inert gas atmosphere (nitrogen or other insulating gases) within the housing to provide electrical insulation. The inert atmosphere prevents corona discharge and arc formation while being lightweight, replacing heavy solid insulators and reducing the overall weight of the power supply unit.
2Reliability
If traditional insulation techniques are used for high voltage components, then electric insulation is provided, but the cost of the power supply unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase change property of gases to solids at low temperatures to create insulation layers. This approach eliminates the need for expensive specialized insulating materials and complex insulation structures, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining effective electrical insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
By using inexpensive inert gases like nitrogen that are already commonly used in industrial applications, the patent provides cost-effective insulation without requiring expensive specialized insulating materials. The inert atmosphere approach simplifies the overall system design and reduces component costs.
3Reliability
If insulation materials are used inside the power supply unit, then electric insulation is improved, but the risk of leakage and contamination of sterilized materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inert gas atmosphere (nitrogen or other insulating gases) instead of liquid insulation materials that could leak. The gaseous insulation medium cannot leak or contaminate the sterilized materials, eliminating the contamination risk associated with traditional liquid insulators while maintaining effective electrical insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces liquid-based mechanical insulation systems with a gas-based insulation system. The gaseous insulation medium eliminates leakage issues inherent in liquid systems, as gases can be contained within sealed housings without the risk of pooling or dripping that could contaminate sterilized materials.
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 effective electric insulation with reduced weight and cost, preventing corona and arc discharges, and ensuring the safety of the materials being sterilized by using a solid insulation layer and insulation gas, thus enhancing the reliability and safety of the sterilization process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the electric components is at least partly covered with a solid insulation layer
Implementation Method 2
an insulation gas, such as nitrogen, to minimize weight and prevent corona and arc discharges
Implementation Method 3
The electron generator comprises a cathode housing and a filament
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2
AI summary
Power supply unit (10), in particular for a sterilization device, comprising at least one electric component (22), characterized in that, at least one of the electric components (22) is at least partly covered with a solid insulation layer (40), where- in the solid insulation layer (40) is adapted to provide an electric insulation.