Sterilizing Machine Automatic Packaging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilizing machines for loose products in hospitals and pharmaceutical sectors face challenges in maintaining long-term sterility, require lengthy and complex operator training, and have inefficient discharge processes due to manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A sterilizing machine with an automatic packaging system that includes a bag support element, motorized bag transfer unit, bag opening, and sealing devices to automate the discharge and packaging of sterilized loose products, reducing contamination risks and operator involvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual discharge operations are used with operator presence in the sterile zone, then flexibility in handling packs is improved, but sterility is compromised due to contamination risks from operator activities
Solution Approach 1:
The operator is extracted from the sterile discharge zone entirely. The discharge apparatus is positioned outside the sterile chamber, and automated transfer mechanisms move sterilized products to packaging stations located in non-sterile areas, eliminating the source of contamination while maintaining operational flexibility through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs discharge and packaging operations autonomously without human intervention in the sterile zone. Automated transfer mechanisms, conveyors, and packaging equipment work independently to move and package sterilized products, making the system self-sufficient while preserving sterility
2Productivity
If automated packaging systems are implemented, then discharge speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated packaging system is divided into separate functional modules: a discharge apparatus positioned outside the sterile chamber, transfer mechanisms for moving products, and packaging stations for bagging and sealing. Each module operates independently, allowing for simpler individual components while achieving high overall productivity through coordinated automation
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate transfer zone is introduced between the sterile chamber and packaging areas. This intermediary space allows sterilized products to be transferred from the sterile environment to non-sterile packaging equipment without requiring the operator to enter the sterile zone, balancing automation benefits with manageable system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A sterilizing machine (10) for loose products, comprising at least a treatment chamber (11) to sterilize said loose products, also comprises an apparatus (100) for automatic packaging into bags (101) of the sterilized loose products exiting from a discharge aperture (15a) of the treatment chamber (11). The automatic packaging apparatus (100) comprises at least a bag feed device (103) provided with a motorized bag transfer unit (105) to transfer the bags (101) from a bag storage chamber (104) to a bag support element (102), a bag opening device (111) to open a bag (101) supported by the bag support element (102) and a bag sealing device (117) to seal a bag (101) filled with the sterilized loose products.