Removable Nozzle Assembly for Leak-Safe Sterilizing Gas Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization agent removal assemblies in packaging machines are difficult to disassemble for cleaning, leading to inefficiencies and potential gas leaks.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle unit with a removable nozzle member and a locking/unlocking mechanism that allows easy disassembly and reassembly, minimizing gas leakage during cleaning and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nozzle unit uses a fixed integrated structure, then the structural integrity and sealing are improved, but the ease of disassembly for cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle unit is divided into separate components: a nozzle body and a nozzle element that can be independently removed. The nozzle element is detachably coupled to the nozzle body through a locking mechanism, allowing the nozzle element to be separated for cleaning while the nozzle body remains in place. This segmentation enables easy disassembly for cleaning while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
2Ease of operation
If the nozzle unit uses a removable nozzle element, then the ease of cleaning is improved, but the risk of gas leakage during disassembly worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Before removing the nozzle element, the locking mechanism is actuated to pre-seal the connection between the nozzle element and nozzle body. This preliminary sealing action prevents gas leakage during the disassembly process by closing off potential escape paths before the components are fully separated.
Solution Approach 2:
A seal element is introduced as an intermediary component between the nozzle body and nozzle element. This seal element creates a gas-tight barrier during the disassembly process, preventing sterilizing agent gas from leaking while allowing the nozzle element to be removed for cleaning.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism is complex, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage through simple manual actuation. When the nozzle element is inserted into the nozzle body, the locking mechanism self-activates to secure the connection and establish sealing. For release, a simple actuator is moved to automatically trigger the unlocking sequence, eliminating the need for complex manual operations while maintaining reliable sealing.
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
Facilitates easy cleaning and maintenance of the nozzle unit, reducing gas leaks and ensuring efficient sterilization agent removal without interference.
Implementation Method 1
a blower (21) configured for supplying a flow of gas; a nozzle unit (22) fluidly connected to the blower (21) and configured to receive the flow of gas and to blow the gas towards a side of the web (3) of packaging material
Implementation Method 2
the sterilizing agent is substantially squeezed off the web itself. In some cases, possible residues of sterilizing agent are fully dried out and/or removed by a blowing device arranged downstream of the squeezing rollers and configured to blow a jet of gas (usually sterilized air) towards the web
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
There is described a nozzle unit (22) configured to direct a flow of gas towards a side of a web (3) of packaging material designed to produce sealed packages (2) containing a pourable product, wherein the nozzle unit (22) comprises a nozzle frame (26) and a nozzle member (27) having a nozzle surface (23) provided with openings through which supplying the flow of gas and the nozzle frame (26) and the nozzle member (27) are connectable to one another in a releasable manner. The nozzle unit (22) further comprises a locking and unlocking device (30) with at least a bracket (32) being elastically deformable metallic and provided with a rear portion (35) connected to a first surface (34) of the nozzle frame (26) and a front portion (36) configured to define a seat which accommodates an end portion of the nozzle member (27) .