Sterilization Machine Container Guide Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization machines face issues with baskets getting blocked during movement due to interspaces between guide means and treatment chambers, leading to potential damage and extended processing times.
Innovation Solution
A device with motorized linear guide rollers and an auxiliary guide extension that automatically adjusts to extend the movement path, preventing blockages by providing additional support and guidance during the movement of containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sterilization machines are disposed adjacent to each other with aligned loading and discharge apertures, then continuity of treatment process is improved and separation of clean and sterile sectors is achieved, but interspaces between guide means and treatment chambers cause baskets to get blocked during movement
Solution Approach 1:
A translator slider is introduced as an intermediary device between the guide rollers and the treatment chamber. This slider extends into the interspace to provide continuous guidance and support for baskets during movement, preventing blockages while maintaining the aligned configuration of sterilization machines
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance system is segmented into multiple components: external guide rollers positioned at the aperture and translator sliders that move within the interspace. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function in guiding baskets through different zones of movement
2Productivity
If translator sliders are provided to feed and discharge baskets automatically, then productivity is improved, but baskets may still get blocked due to lack of support in interspaces
Solution Approach 1:
The translator slider acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between the stationary guide rollers and the moving baskets. It provides continuous mechanical support and guidance throughout the interspace, ensuring smooth automatic operation without blockages
Solution Approach 2:
The translator slider is designed to be mobile in the direction of feed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position as baskets move through the interspace. This dynamic capability ensures continuous support and guidance throughout the movement process
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 ensures efficient and safe automatic feeding and discharge of containers, reducing cycle times and preventing blockages, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the sterilization process.
Implementation Method 1
motorized linear guide rollers...configured to move the containers in a guided manner along the movement path
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~9
AI summary
A device (10, 110, 210) to introduce and extract containers (11) with respect to a sterilization machine (100, 100a, 100b) in a direction of feed (X) comprises a container-loading plane (P, P', P") defining a movement path, and motorized linear guide rollers (12, 112, 212) disposed along the container-loading plane (P, P', P") and configured to move the containers (11) in a guided manner along the movement path in the direction of feed (X). The device (10, 110, 210) also comprises an auxiliary guide extension (13, 1 13, 213) connected to the container- loading plane (P, P', P") and mobile between a first retracted position, in which it is comprised within the bulk of the container-loading plane (P, P', P"), and a second operating position, in which it is at least partly protruding from the container-loading plane (P, P', P") in order to define an extension of said movement path.