Sterilization Chamber Nozzle Integration for Vapor Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container sterilization devices face challenges in creating a vapor-enriched atmosphere due to large sterilization chambers, leading to inefficient disinfection and time-consuming nozzle adjustments, with permanent wetting and incorrect positioning issues.
Innovation Solution
A device with a compact sterilization chamber and integrated application devices within the chamber walls, using nozzles to apply sterilization medium directly to containers, reducing unnecessary tubing and allowing for efficient vapor distribution, along with a discharge system for gas extraction and supply of sterile air to maintain a controlled atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a large sterilisation chamber is used to transport containers, then container transport capacity is improved, but vapor distribution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilisation chamber is segmented into multiple zones with individually controllable nozzles. Each zone can be independently activated to create localized vapor enrichment, allowing efficient sterilisation even in large chambers. The chamber volume is effectively divided into smaller functional segments that can be treated separately.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sterilisation chamber are equipped with nozzles having different spray characteristics and vapor generation capabilities. The vapor distribution is optimized locally in each region rather than using a uniform approach throughout the entire large chamber, ensuring efficient vapor enrichment in all areas.
2Ease of operation
If individually arranged nozzles mounted in tubes are used, then targeted spraying is improved, but adjustment time and positioning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzles are pre-positioned and pre-adjusted during manufacturing to optimal angles and positions for targeted spraying. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site adjustments, while still maintaining the ability to deliver sterilisation medium precisely to container surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle system is designed to automatically adjust or maintain optimal positioning through self-aligning mechanisms or fixed mounting structures that inherently provide correct orientation. This eliminates manual intervention and reduces adjustment time while preserving targeted spraying capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If tubes are laid within the sterilisation chamber to transport sterilisation medium, then medium delivery is improved, but device complexity and cleaning difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex tubing system is extracted from the interior of the sterilisation chamber and relocated to the exterior. Only essential nozzle components remain inside, dramatically simplifying the internal chamber structure and making cleaning and maintenance much easier while preserving the ability to deliver sterilisation medium to all required locations.
4Reliability
If permanent wetting of containers is attempted, then sterilisation coverage is improved, but operational flexibility and drying efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilisation medium application is implemented as a periodic or pulsed process rather than continuous wetting. Containers receive controlled bursts of sterilisation medium that provide sufficient coverage, followed by drying phases. This periodic approach maintains reliable sterilisation while allowing operational flexibility and preventing excessive moisture accumulation.
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 design enables efficient and targeted sterilization with reduced chamber volume, ensuring consistent exposure to disinfectants, minimizing gas entry and exit, and facilitating faster machine access while maintaining a controlled environment for effective disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
The application device comprises one or more nozzles which apply the sterilisation medium to the containers
Implementation Method 2
the device has a discharge device for discharging a gaseous medium from the sterilisation chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A device for treating containers, with a housing, a sterilization chamber formed within the housing to sterilize the containers, with a transport device which transports the containers along a pre-specified transport path (P) through the sterilization chamber, and with at least one application device which applies a liquid sterilization medium to the containers during their transport through the sterilization chamber. The application device is integrated at least partly in a wall of the sterilization chamber.