Rotating Gas Distribution Sleeve for Beverage Container Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the beverages manufacturing industry, existing gas distribution devices for sterilizing plastic containers, particularly with hydrogen peroxide gas, suffer from high gas losses and safety concerns due to the hazardous nature of the gases, with a need for improved sealing and efficient gas delivery to containers.
Innovation Solution
A gas distribution device featuring a rotatable distribution space with multiple openings, a sleeve extending along the axis of rotation, and a feed pipe with a precisely defined gap between the sleeve and feed tube, allowing for controlled gas exit and minimizing losses, along with a valve body that covers openings during non-use areas to prevent unnecessary gas escape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a conventional gas distribution device is used, then gas can be supplied to containers, but gas losses are high and sealing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution space is designed to rotate relative to the feed pipe, creating a dynamic sealing system. The rotatable connection allows the distribution space to be positioned precisely relative to containers while maintaining a sealed connection through the rotating seal interface between the distribution space and feed pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible sealing element is provided at the rotating connection between the distribution space and feed pipe. This flexible seal maintains gas-tight sealing while accommodating the rotational movement, preventing gas escape at the joint interface.
2Productivity
If gas is supplied to all openings continuously, then containers can be filled, but gas escape occurs in non-use areas
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution space rotates to dynamically position openings relative to containers. Openings are selectively aligned with containers only when needed, while openings in non-use areas are positioned away from containers, automatically preventing gas escape without requiring individual valve control.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution space performs periodic rotation to bring different openings into position with containers in a cyclic manner. This periodic positioning ensures that gas is supplied only to actively engaged openings while other openings remain sealed and positioned away from containers during each rotation cycle.
3Loss of substance
If switchable valves are installed at each opening, then gas escape can be controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating distribution space performs multiple functions: it distributes gas to multiple openings, provides selective positioning of openings relative to containers, and maintains sealing at the rotating connection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate switchable valves at each opening, as the rotation mechanism itself controls gas flow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The individual valve control mechanism is extracted and replaced by the central rotating distribution space. Instead of having control elements at each opening, the control function is centralized in the rotation mechanism that selectively positions openings, simplifying the overall device by removing numerous individual valves.
4Reliability
If sealing is tightened to prevent gas escape, then safety improves, but gas delivery efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic positioning through rotation to achieve both tight sealing and efficient gas delivery. When an opening is actively engaged with a container, the distribution space rotates to position that opening precisely for optimal gas flow. When not in use, the same opening is rotated away, maintaining sealing without restricting future gas delivery capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The apparatus (1) has a distribution chamber arranged so that it can rotate with respect to a rotation axis and has openings through which the medium can be guided out of the distribution chamber (4). A sleeve (6) is arranged on the distribution chamber and extends in the direction of the rotation axis of the distribution chamber. The sleeve is structured and arranged so that it can rotate with respect to the supply tube (12). A gap (10) extends in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis and through which the medium can pass is formed between the sleeve and the supply tube. An independent claim is included for an arrangement.