Slotted Nozzle Assembly for Sterilizing Agent Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization agent removal assemblies in packaging apparatuses face inefficiencies in energy consumption and corrosion due to residual sterilizing agent retention by pre-applied closure structures, which accelerates corrosion in apparatus components.
Innovation Solution
A sterilizing agent removal assembly with a second nozzle device featuring a slot for passage of closure structures and strategically positioned openings to enhance gas flow, reducing the distance between nozzle walls and optimizing gas distribution for effective sterilizing agent removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional sterilizing agent removal assembly is used, then the sterilizing agent can be removed from the web, but residual sterilizing agent is retained by pre-applied closure structures which accelerates corrosion in apparatus components
Solution Approach 1:
The second nozzle device is provided with a slot adapted to be repeatedly crossed by the sequence of closure structures, allowing the gas flow to directly target and remove sterilizing agent residues from the closure structures. This localized approach addresses the specific problem area where residues accumulate, preventing corrosion without requiring system-wide changes.
2Manufacturing precision
If the distance between nozzle walls is increased to improve gas flow distribution, then gas distribution may be optimized, but the distance between nozzle walls cannot be increased due to space constraints and closure structure passage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The second nozzle device is segmented with a slot that allows closure structures to pass through while maintaining the nozzle wall positioning. This segmentation enables the gas flow to be distributed effectively without requiring increased distance between nozzle walls, as the slot creates localized flow paths that accommodate both constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot in the second nozzle device introduces a dimensional feature that allows closure structures to pass through the nozzle wall rather than requiring increased spacing. This dimensional change enables effective gas flow distribution while maintaining compact nozzle wall positioning.
3Reliability
If pre-applied closure structures are used on the web, then package sealing functionality is improved, but the closure structures retain sterilizing agent which accelerates corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The slot in the second nozzle device extracts or removes the sterilizing agent residues from the closure structures by directing gas flow through the slot onto the closure structures as they pass. This extraction process eliminates the harmful residues without affecting the closure structures' sealing functionality.
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
Improves sterilizing agent removal efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and decreases corrosion in packaging apparatus components, leading to increased lifespan and cost savings.
Implementation Method 1
the sterilizing agent, which, once sterilization is completed, is removed from the surfaces of the packaging material, e.g. evaporated by heating
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
There is described a sterilizing agent removal assembly (12) for a sterilizing unit (7) of a packaging apparatus (1) configured to produce packages starting from a web (4) of packaging material provided with a longitudinal sequence of closure structures (5) pre-applied thereon, the assembly (12) comprises: a first nozzle device (14) and a second nozzle device (15) arranged facing one another, defining between one another a treatment zone (Z) for the web (4) to advance therethrough and configured to blow gas towards a respective side (4a, 4b) of the web (4); the first nozzle device (14) comprises a first nozzle wall (16) provided with openings (17) for the flow of gas, the second nozzle device (15) comprises a second nozzle wall (18) provided with openings (17, 21, 22) for the flow of gas; the second nozzle device (15) is provided with a slot (19) obtained on the second nozzle wall (18) and adapted to be repeatedly engaged by said sequence of closure structures (5), so as to allow the transit of the web (4) with its closure structures (5) through said treatment zone (Z).