Segmented Electron Beam Finger for Container Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization devices for containers in the beverages manufacturing industry face mechanical damage and high costs due to the fragility and expense of beam fingers used for charge carrier radiation sterilization, often resulting from incorrect positioning and collisions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rod-like body for sterilization using charge carriers, equipped with a collision prevention system, including a tubular body to protect against mechanical impacts and a radiation reduction element to prevent overdose on container mouths, along with a movement system for precise insertion and a clean room setup for controlled sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If beam fingers are made filigree to fit through container openings and maintain vacuum, then they can be inserted into containers and maintain vacuum for charge carrier acceleration, but their mechanical strength decreases and they become expensive and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The beam finger is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other. The proximal segment remains stationary while the distal segment can be inserted into and removed from the container opening independently, allowing the structure to fit through small openings without requiring the entire beam finger to be filigree-sized.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam finger structure transitions from a purely linear arrangement to one that incorporates radial movement capability. The distal segment can move radially inward and outward relative to the proximal segment, adding a dimensional degree of freedom that enables insertion through limited openings while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If beam fingers are made robust to withstand mechanical stress, then their mechanical strength increases, but they cannot be inserted through small container openings and become more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The beam finger is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other. The proximal segment remains stationary while the distal segment can be inserted into and removed from the container opening independently, allowing the structure to fit through small openings without requiring the entire beam finger to be filigree-sized.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam finger structure incorporates dynamic movement capability where the distal segment can be repositioned radially. This dynamic adjustment allows the structure to present a smaller cross-section during insertion while maintaining full structural integrity during operation.
3Productivity
If the rod-like body is inserted directly into containers without protection, then sterilization efficiency is maintained, but mechanical damage occurs from incorrect positioning and collisions
Solution Approach 1:
A protective cap is provided that can be positioned on the rod-like body before sterilization operations begin. This preliminary protective measure prevents mechanical damage from incorrect positioning or collisions during container handling and loading, ensuring the rod-like body remains intact for efficient sterilization operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cap acts as a cushioning element that absorbs mechanical impacts before they can reach the rod-like body. By providing this protective barrier in advance, the system prevents damage from positioning errors or collisions while maintaining sterilization efficiency during normal operations.
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 solution effectively prevents mechanical damage to the sterilization unit, ensures accurate positioning, and reduces radiation exposure to sensitive areas, enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the sterilization process.
Implementation Method 1
sterilize by exposure to radiation and in particular to charge carrier radiation... the use of other charge carriers such as alpha particles or protons would also be conceivable
Implementation Method 2
sterilization devices have recently also become known which sterilize the containers by exposure to radiation
Implementation Method 3
The sterilization unit preferably has a charge carrier generation unit, and preferably also an acceleration device, which accelerates the generated charge carriers in the direction of the exit window
Implementation Method 4
the sterilization unit also has a cooling device for cooling the exit window. It is conceivable that the rod-like body has a channel through which a medium, in particular a gaseous medium, can be conducted in the direction of the exit window
Implementation Method 5
a channel through which a medium, in particular a gaseous medium, can be conducted in the direction of the exit window
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The device has a sterilization unit (2) comprising a bar-like body (4) that is insertable into an inner space of containers (10) through an opening of the containers. A moving unit produces a relative movement between the containers and the sterilization unit such that the bar-like body is insertable into the containers. A collision prevention device (20) prevents collision of the bar-like body with the containers and comprises a tubular contact body (22) that surrounds the bar-like body, where an inner cross-section of the contact body is larger than an outer cross-section of the containers. The moving unit is designed as a linear motor. An independent claim is also included for a method for sterilizing containers.