Sterilizing Fluid Conveyance via Vacuum-Driven Spray Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for conveying sterilizing fluids to filling machines are not efficient and safe, as they can inadvertently expose non-contact parts to the sterilizing fluid, leading to potential contamination and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a vacuum generator with a venturi nozzle to draw sterilizing fluid from a refilling tank into a spray tank, which can be switched between filling and spraying modes, and includes safety valves to prevent overpressure and leakage, ensuring controlled delivery of the sterilizing fluid to the filling machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump is used to convey sterilizing fluid through the fluid circuit, then the sterilizing fluid can be delivered to the filling machine, but the system may inadvertently expose non-contact parts to the sterilizing fluid causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spray tank as an intermediary component between the refilling tank and the filling machine. The spray tank receives sterilizing fluid from the refilling tank and delivers it to the filling machine through controlled spray nozzles. This intermediary structure allows the system to maintain separation between the sterilizing fluid and non-contact parts of the conveying system, preventing contamination while ensuring reliable delivery to the filling machine.
2Reliability
If a vacuum generator is used to draw sterilizing fluid into the spray tank, then the system becomes more efficient and safe, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vacuum generator to create negative pressure in the spray tank, which passively draws sterilizing fluid from the refilling tank through the fluid circuit. This pneumatic approach replaces the need for complex mechanical pumps and valves, simplifying the system structure while improving reliability and safety. The vacuum-driven flow control eliminates inadvertent exposure of non-contact parts to sterilizing fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The system switches between two operational modes by changing pressure parameters: in filling mode, the vacuum generator creates negative pressure to draw fluid into the spray tank; in spraying mode, the system transitions to positive pressure to force fluid out to the spray nozzle. This parameter change mechanism allows a single system to perform multiple functions without requiring separate mechanisms for each mode, managing complexity while improving functionality.
3Reliability
If the system is designed with switchable valves for filling and spraying modes, then the system can accommodate sensor failures and prevent leakage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates safety valves that are pre-configured to activate under specific failure conditions. These safety valves provide a backup mechanism that automatically engages if the primary sensors fail or if abnormal conditions occur, preventing sterilizing fluid leakage and protecting the system. This beforehand cushioning approach ensures reliability without requiring complex continuous monitoring and control systems.
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 system efficiently and safely conveys sterilizing fluid to the filling machine, preventing exposure to non-contact parts and accommodating sensor failures, while ensuring reliable operation and efficient sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum generator is fluidly connected to the spray tank via a vacuum line and configured to generate a vacuum in the spray tank, such that the vacuum causes sterilizing fluid to be drawn from the refilling tank and into the spray tank
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum generator may have a venturi nozzle to generate a vacuum in the spray tank
Implementation Method 3
When the system is switched to a spraying mode, fluid communication between the vacuum generator and the spray tank is closed and the spray tank is pressurized using an air supply. The sterilized fluid may then be forced out of the spray tank to a spray nozzle for the filling machine
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (1) and method for conveying a sterilizing fluid (2) to a filling machine (3) includes a refilling tank (4) for containing the sterilizing fluid (2) and from which the sterilizing fluid (2) is drawn, a spray tank (5) fluidly connected to the refilling tank (4) for receiving the sterilizing fluid (2) from the refilling tank (4) and conveying the sterilizing fluid (2) to the filling machine (3), and a fluid line (6) connecting the refilling tank (4) to the spray tank (5). A vacuum generator (7) is fluidly connected to the spray tank (5) via a vacuum line (8) and configured to generate a vacuum in the spray tank (5), such that the vacuum causes sterilizing fluid (2) to be drawn from the refilling tank (4) and into the spray tank (5).