Sterilizing Liquid Distribution Device for Blowing Network

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sterilization methods for blowing pipes in container forming machines result in pulsating flow rates of sterilizing liquid, leading to non-homogeneous concentrations of oxidizing agents and increased risks of condensation and contamination.

Innovation Solution

A sterilizing liquid distribution device with two variable volume chambers and synchronized piston movement ensures a continuous and stable flow of sterilizing liquid, preventing pulsation and maintaining consistent oxidizing agent concentration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a peristaltic pump is used to distribute sterilizing liquid, then the device can prevent corrosion of parts exposed to sterilizing liquid, but the flow rate becomes pulsating leading to non-homogeneous oxidizing agent concentration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion preventionVSAvoidoxidizing agent concentration homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution device is divided into multiple independent pumping units, each with its own piston and variable volume chamber. This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently, distributing sterilizing liquid through multiple pathways simultaneously, which eliminates the pulsating flow characteristic of single peristaltic pumps while maintaining corrosion prevention benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple pumping units are combined into a single integrated distribution device that operates synchronously. The merging of multiple pulsating flows from independent units results in a continuous, stable flow rate, resolving the contradiction between using peristaltic mechanisms and achieving homogeneous concentration distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If peristaltic pump distributes sterilizing liquid, then corrosion resistance is achieved, but condensation risk increases due to pulsating flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidcondensation risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the liquid distribution into multiple parallel pathways through independent pumping units, the system eliminates large flow variations that cause condensation. Each unit contributes to a more uniform, continuous flow pattern, reducing the harmful condensation effect while preserving corrosion resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If single peristaltic pump is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of oxidizing agent concentration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of pumping unitsVSAvoidoxidizing agent concentration control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multiple identical pumping units that can be manufactured using the same standardized process. This segmentation approach actually improves manufacturing precision by allowing parallel production of multiple units with consistent specifications, while the modular design keeps the overall system manageable despite increased unit count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 provides a stable and precise flow of sterilizing liquid, reducing the risk of contamination and condensation, thereby ensuring the sterility of the blowing air and extending the lifespan of non-stainless pipes used in the blowing network.

Implementation Method 1

an evaporator in which sterilizing vapor is produced by total evaporation of the sterilizing liquid supplied by the source of sterilizing liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP4251400B1Forming machine comprising a device for sterilising a blowing network
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS SAS
  • EP4251400B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4251400B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a forming machine (10) wherein a blowing network (26) comprises ducts that connect a controlled source (24) of compressed blowing gas to at least one blowing nozzle (20) for forming the containers by blow moulding, the forming machine (10) comprising a device (46) for sterilising the blowing network (26), comprising: a source (64) of sterilising liquid comprising an oxidising agent; an evaporator (66) in which sterilising vapour is produced by total evaporation of the sterilising liquid supplied from the source (64) of sterilising liquid; a device (72) for dispensing the sterilising liquid, interposed between the source (64) of sterilising liquid and the evaporator (66); characterised in that the dispensing device (72) is designed to deliver sterilising liquid at a continuous and stable flow rate.