Synchronized Nozzle Sterilization for Thin-Walled Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container sterilizing methods face challenges in reducing operation time and costs, particularly when dealing with thin-walled containers, where deformation occurs due to heat from sterilizing agents, and in efficiently supplying sterilizing agents to the inner surfaces without increasing agent usage or requiring costly temperature adjustment equipment.
Innovation Solution
A container sterilizing device with a transport mechanism and a supply unit that includes a nozzle which moves in synchronization with the container without vertical movement, using a fixed cover and rotary plate with a sealing member, and a fixed shield plate to efficiently supply sterilizing agents to both inner and outer surfaces without inserting the nozzle into the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nozzle is inserted into the container to spray sterilizing agent, then the sterilizing agent can be supplied to the inner surface, but the operation time increases and the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is made movable in the vertical direction to dynamically adjust its position relative to the container mouth. This allows the nozzle to move closer to the container opening for effective sterilization without requiring full insertion, thereby reducing operation time while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is positioned in advance at an optimal distance from the container mouth before sterilization begins. This preliminary positioning enables effective sterilization agent delivery without requiring the nozzle to be inserted into the container, thus reducing the time needed for the sterilization operation.
2Reliability
If a nozzle is inserted into the container to spray sterilizing agent, then the sterilizing agent can be supplied to the inner surface, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is equipped with vertical movement capability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. This dynamic positioning system is more cost-effective than designing a complete insertion mechanism, as it achieves effective sterilization through controlled movement rather than requiring complex insertion and retraction systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is pre-positioned at an optimal distance from the container mouth, eliminating the need for complex insertion mechanisms. This preliminary positioning approach reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining effective sterilization agent delivery to the inner surface.
3Reliability
If sterilizing agent is sprayed at high temperature to ensure sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness improves, but the container may deform due to heat
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle vertically moves to dynamically control the distance between the sterilizing agent source and the container. By maintaining an optimal distance, the system delivers sufficient heat for effective sterilization while preventing excessive heat concentration that would cause container deformation, thus balancing sterilization effectiveness with container integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is pre-positioned at a distance that allows high-temperature sterilizing agent delivery without direct contact or excessive heat concentration on the container. This preliminary positioning enables effective sterilization while preventing heat-induced deformation, as the optimal distance is established before the sterilization process begins.
4Device complexity
If sterilizing agent is supplied without inserting a nozzle, then the device cost is reduced, but it is difficult to efficiently supply the sterilizing agent to the inner surface
Solution Approach 1:
The movable nozzle system allows the sterilizing agent to be supplied efficiently to the inner surface without requiring full insertion. The vertical movement capability enables the nozzle to position itself optimally for maximum coverage and efficiency, achieving high productivity while maintaining lower device cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is pre-positioned at an optimal distance from the container mouth, enabling efficient sterilizing agent delivery to the inner surface without insertion. This preliminary positioning achieves high sterilization efficiency while keeping the device cost reduced, as no complex insertion mechanisms are required.
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 approach reduces operation time, minimizes container deformation, and efficiently supplies sterilizing agents, thereby lowering the cost of the sterilizing device and improving sterilization efficiency without the need for temperature adjustment equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle (51) for spraying the sterilizing agent
Implementation Method 2
a transport mechanism (40) that transports a container
Data Source
AI summary
A container sterilizing device includes a transport mechanism that transports a container and a supply unit that supplies a sterilizing agent to the container that is being transported by the transport mechanism. The supply unit includes a nozzle for spraying the sterilizing agent. The nozzle does not move in a vertical direction and, without being inserted into the container, moves in synchronization with the container that is being transported by the transport mechanism.