Rinsing Nozzle Inclination for Container Interior Cleaning
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container rinsing apparatuses often result in contamination of the rinsing nozzle and subsequent containers due to the direct alignment of the rinsing nozzle with the container's longitudinal axis, leading to inefficient rinsing of the upper regions and increased risk of germ or droplet transfer.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus positions the container at an inclination angle relative to gravitational acceleration, with the rinsing nozzle oriented at an introduction angle to the container opening, allowing the rinsing fluid to flow in a swirling motion, reducing nozzle contamination and enhancing the uniformity and effectiveness of the rinsing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the rinsing nozzle is aligned with the container's longitudinal axis, then the rinsing process is simple to implement, but the rinsing nozzle becomes contaminated with discharged rinsing fluid and dirt particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an introduction angle γ between the rinsing nozzle axis and the container longitudinal axis, creating an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetric alignment causes the rinsing jet to strike the container interior at an angle, directing discharged fluid away from the nozzle and preventing contamination while maintaining rinsing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a angular dimension to the rinsing configuration by defining the introduction angle γ. This transforms the problem from a one-dimensional axial alignment to a two-dimensional angular configuration, allowing the rinsing jet to clear the container interior while directing waste fluid along a different trajectory that avoids the nozzle.
2Ease of operation
If the container is held vertically with the opening downwards, then the rinsing process is straightforward, but the upper regions of the container interior are not rinsed uniformly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inclination angle φ between the container longitudinal axis and the vertical direction, creating an asymmetric holding position. This asymmetric orientation, combined with the introduction angle γ, ensures that the rinsing jet strikes the container interior in a manner that promotes uniform wetting and rinsing of all regions, including the upper portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the rinsing configuration by defining both the inclination angle φ and the introduction angle γ. These parameter adjustments optimize the rinsing jet's trajectory and distribution pattern, achieving uniform rinsing coverage across the entire container interior while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the rinsing jet is introduced centrally at the container base, then the rinsing fluid distributes evenly from base to opening, but the rinsing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures the rinsing nozzle to pre-wet the container interior surfaces before the main rinsing phase. The inclined position and introduction angle ensure that the rinsing jet immediately contacts and wetes the upper regions and inner walls, preparing them for effective rinsing and reducing the overall time required to achieve uniform cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing the inclination angle φ and introduction angle γ, the patent modifies the rinsing jet's distribution pattern to achieve more uniform and rapid wetting of the container interior. This parameter optimization allows the rinsing process to complete more quickly while maintaining or improving rinsing uniformity.
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
This configuration minimizes nozzle contamination, ensures thorough rinsing of the container interior, particularly the upper regions, with reduced fluid usage and extended contact time, resulting in a more effective and uniform cleaning action.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the rinsing fluid to flow in a swirling motion
Implementation Method 2
with respect to gravitational acceleration
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for rinsing the interior of a container, for example a drinks bottle in a drink filling installation, includes a container receiving member for receiving a container that is configured to hold the container at least for a rinsing operation in a predetermined position in which the container is orientated with respect to a longitudinal axis of the container and/or a centre axis of the container opening with respect to gravitational acceleration at an inclination angle with a downwardly directed container opening and a rinsing nozzle for introducing a jet of rinsing fluid through the container opening into the container. The rinsing nozzle is arranged and configured to introduce the jet of rinsing fluid into the container opening in a state orientated at an introduction angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container and/or the centre axis of the container opening. A corresponding method is described.