Rotating Container Closure Sterilization via Electron Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sterilizing container closures, particularly those using electron beams, often fail to adequately sterilize the outer peripheral areas and bottom surfaces due to inadequate radiation coverage and inefficient transport systems.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that incorporates a rotating mechanism for container closures during transport, combined with an irradiation system that directs radiation from multiple angles, including the use of electron emitters and radiation deflection devices, to ensure comprehensive sterilization of both inner and outer surfaces, including the outer peripheral walls and bottom surfaces, while utilizing active transport and separation systems to prevent shadowing and facilitate efficient sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If container closures are transported through a treatment zone with radiation emitters, then sterilization of inner surfaces is achieved, but sterilization of outer peripheral areas and bottom surfaces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotational movement as a new dimension to the sterilization process. Closures are rotated during transport through the treatment zone, allowing radiation emitters positioned in one direction to sterilize all surfaces including outer peripheral areas and bottom surfaces that would otherwise be inaccessible from a fixed emission direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static positioning of closures during irradiation to dynamic rotation. The closures are actively rotated during the sterilization process, enabling comprehensive coverage of all surfaces without requiring multiple radiation sources positioned around the entire perimeter.
2Reliability
If chemical sterilization methods are used, then sterilization is effective, but chemical residues may remain on the closures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical sterilization methods with physical radiation-based sterilization. Electron beam or other radiation sources are used to sterilize closures without leaving chemical residues, substituting a mechanical/physical process for a chemical one while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If closures are conveyed between conveyor belts at different speeds to rotate them, then some peripheral sterilization is achieved, but comprehensive sterilization of all areas remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the rotation mechanism by adding controlled rotational movement during conveyance. Closures are rotated about their longitudinal axes while being transported, ensuring that all surfaces including outer peripheral areas and bottom surfaces pass through the radiation field, achieving comprehensive sterilization coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic rotation of closures during transport, converting the static conveyance process into an active rotational movement that ensures all surfaces are exposed to radiation. This dynamic approach overcomes the limitations of simple belt-driven rotation.
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 approach ensures thorough sterilization of all areas of container closures, including hard-to-reach peripheral and bottom surfaces, while actively managing transport and radiation to prevent faults and allow for quick intervention, thus improving efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the radiation emanating from the irradiation device is directed both onto an outer peripheral wall of the container closures as well as an interior area of the container closures
Implementation Method 2
Devices and methods are therefore also known from the prior art which sterilize the container closures by means of radiation. Radiation is understood below to mean, in particular, charge carrier radiation, that is to say, for example, exposure to electrons.
Data Source
AI summary
The closure sterilization arrangement (1) has a rotating unit which rotates the container closures (10) during its transport with a transport unit (2) around a predetermined rotational axis in a temporary manner. An irradiation unit (4) is arranged opposite to a transport path of the container closures, so that the radiation running from the irradiation unit strikes on outer peripheral wall of the container closures and in an inner area of the container closure. An independent claim is included for a method for sterilizing a container closure.