Sterilization Device for Plastic Preforms with Dual Transport Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for sterilizing plastic preforms require significant space and inefficiencies in the sterilization process, as they often involve multiple transport devices and sequential application of sterilization media, which can lead to increased space requirements and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device with a heating unit, a forming unit, and a sterilization unit that includes two rotatable transport carriers with holding and loading devices for direct transfer of plastic preforms between sterilization units, allowing for continuous sterilization and heating processes, utilizing flowable mediums like hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid to enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple transport stars are used in series for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but installation space increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sterilization functions into a single integrated sterilization chamber where preforms can undergo sequential sterilization treatments without being transferred to separate transport stars. The chamber accommodates multiple holding devices that can be positioned at different locations, allowing series sterilization processes to occur simultaneously within one compact unit, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization system employs a nested configuration where multiple holding devices are arranged concentrically or in layered positions within a single sterilization chamber. This allows multiple sterilization zones to be nested within one another, enabling sequential sterilization processes to occur in a compact, space-efficient manner while maintaining the required sterilization effectiveness.
2Reliability
If sequential sterilization processes are used with multiple transport devices, then sterilization thoroughness is improved, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization system enables continuous operation by allowing multiple holding devices to undergo different sterilization stages simultaneously within the same chamber. While one holding device is being sterilized, another can be loaded or prepared, eliminating idle time and transport interruptions. This continuous action maintains thorough sterilization while significantly improving production efficiency by eliminating sequential delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows preliminary preparation of holding devices to occur concurrently with the sterilization process. While preforms in one holding device undergo sterilization, other holding devices can be pre-loaded or positioned in advance, reducing waiting time and improving overall production flow without compromising sterilization thoroughness.
3Reliability
If separate transport and sterilization devices are used, then process control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization chamber is designed as a multi-functional device that combines holding, sterilization, and positioning functions within a single integrated system. The same chamber and control mechanism manage multiple holding devices through different sterilization stages, reducing the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining precise process control through centralized management of all sterilization parameters.
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 configuration reduces space requirements and enhances the efficiency of the sterilization process by allowing direct transfer between sterilization units, ensuring consistent and thorough sterilization of plastic preforms before forming into containers, thereby improving the overall production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device for heating the plastic preforms
Implementation Method 2
a sterilization device for sterilizing the plastic preforms
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Device for treating plastic preforms (10) with a heating device (2) for heating the plastic preforms, with a forming device (6) for forming the plastic preforms (10) into plastic containers and with a sterilization device (4) for sterilizing the plastic preforms (10), characterized in that the sterilization device (4) has at least one first sterilization unit (40) which has a rotatable transport carrier (42) and a plurality of holding devices (44) arranged on this transport carrier (42) for holding the plastic preforms as well as a plurality of first actuation devices (50) for actuation of the plastic preforms (10) and the sterilization device has a second sterilization unit (60).