Sterilization Unit Nozzle Pipe Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filling machines face challenges in ensuring effective sterilization of packaging containers made from laminated materials, particularly in maintaining the integrity of the containers and preventing reinfection, especially when using vaporized sterilization agents like hydrogen peroxide.

Innovation Solution

A sterilization unit with a displaceable nozzle pipe and a shielding plate that allows for efficient injection and retention of the sterilization agent within the container, while also directing it to the exterior for enhanced sterilization, and includes a sleeve for axial displacement to prevent nozzle pipe damage during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sterilization unit moves in downward and upward strokes to insert the nozzle pipe into the packaging container, then the sterilization agent can be effectively injected into the container, but the nozzle pipe may be damaged due to contact with the container or external objects during movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidnozzle pipe integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle pipe is made displaceable relative to the sterilization unit through a suspension system, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during the downward and upward strokes. This dynamic arrangement enables the nozzle pipe to insert into the packaging container for effective sterilization while preventing damage by allowing controlled movement and disconnection if contact with external objects occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into the sterilization unit and the separately suspended nozzle pipe. This segmentation allows the nozzle pipe to be independently positioned and moved relative to the main unit, enabling it to reach into the container while the main unit remains stable, thus achieving both effective sterilization and protection against damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a plate is provided to maintain the sterilization agent in the container interior and direct it outward, then the killing efficiency of microorganisms is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicroorganism elimination efficiencyVSAvoidsterilization unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plate serves multiple functions: it maintains the sterilization agent within the container interior during injection, directs the agent outward after injection, and potentially acts as a shielding element. By combining these functions into a single component, the design enhances microorganism elimination efficiency while minimizing the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10392147B2Sterilization unit for a filling machine

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA

AI summary

A sterilization unit comprises at least one nozzle pipe for injection of a sterilization agent into a packaging container to be sterilized. The sterilization unit is driven to move in an axial direction, in a downward stroke and an upward stroke, corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the nozzle pipe such that it is inserted into an open end of the packaging container during sterilization thereof. The nozzle pipe is suspended such as to be displaceable in relation to the sterilization unit, in the axial direction.