Rotating Carrier Holding Device for Compact Container Sterilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container treatment apparatuses, particularly sterilization devices, are bulky and require a large footprint due to the need for multiple transport devices and radiation shielding, leading to increased dwell time and risk of faulty transfers.
Innovation Solution
A container treatment apparatus with a reduced number of transport devices, where the container outer surface treatment device and inner surface treatment device have holding devices that can temporarily extend outside the housing for direct transfer, and a rotatable carrier system to optimize container handling and reduce the need for additional transport devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple transport devices and radiation shielding are arranged within a common housing to sterilize different areas of containers, then sterilization completeness is improved, but the apparatus becomes very voluminous and requires a large footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple independent sterilization modules, each capable of treating specific areas of containers. These modules can be selectively activated and arranged in a compact configuration, allowing complete sterilization without requiring a single large housing to contain all treatment devices.
2Reliability
If several sterilization units and transport devices are arranged within a common housing, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the apparatus becomes very voluminous
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sterilization units are arranged in a nested or layered configuration within the housing, where smaller treatment chambers or radiation sources are positioned within or alongside each other. This nesting approach maximizes the utilization of three-dimensional space, allowing multiple sterilization functions to coexist in a compact volume without requiring a large apparatus footprint.
3Reliability
If a long transport path is used to transfer containers through multiple sterilization units, then comprehensive treatment is achieved, but the dwell time increases and preforms cool down too much
Solution Approach 1:
Containers are pre-heated in an oven before entering the sterilization modules, and the sterilization units are arranged to minimize transport distance. The holding devices are positioned to allow direct transfer between sterilization chambers without unnecessary intermediate steps, reducing the time containers spend in transit and preventing excessive cooling while still achieving comprehensive sterilization treatment.
4Productivity
If frequent transfers are made within a radiation-shielding housing, then container treatment is completed, but the risk of faulty transfers increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sterilization units are arranged to allow direct transfer between adjacent chambers without requiring intermediate pickup and placement operations. The holding devices are designed to maintain continuous contact with containers throughout the transfer process, eliminating punctual transfer points where misalignment or faults could occur, thus reducing transfer errors while maintaining treatment completion.
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 apparatus achieves a more compact design while maintaining high throughput, reducing the risk of faulty transfers, and minimizing the footprint of the system, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
A radiation source provided for this purpose is also usually arranged at least in sections in a housing and emits the radiation into the interior of the housing, wherein the housing having shielding properties for this radiation. In this way, persons in the vicinity of such a sterilisation device can be protected from scattered radiation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a container treatment apparatus and treatment method, in particular a container sterilisation apparatus, having a plurality of transport devices for transporting a container along a predetermined transport path, at least one of the transport devices having at least one holding device for holding at least one container during container treatment and/or transport along the transport path, the transport device having a rotatable carrier and a plurality of holding elements arranged on this carrier, wherein a holding element in a first sector, in which a container is received, having a height with respect to a perpendicular projection of the transport path which is different from that in a second sector in which a container is dispensed, and wherein a sector in which an at least partial compensation of the height difference of the holding elements takes place lies along a direction of rotation of the carrier after the second sector and before the first sector.