Adjustable Mixing Chamber for Flexible Container Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed container filling assemblies face challenges in efficiently handling different container types and fluid compositions, leading to increased downtime, material waste, and the need for multiple assemblies, as they require adjustments and cleaning between cycles to maintain steady-state flow and prevent contamination.
Innovation Solution
A container filling assembly with a temporary storage chamber and adjustable volume, allowing for independent control of mixing and dispensing rates, and utilizing piston pumps and air pumps to manage fluid flow, enabling flexible handling of various fluid compositions and container sizes without the need for extensive reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the assembly is configured to maintain steady-state flow by scaling mixing and dispensing parts, then mixing efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different container types and fluid compositions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mixing chamber volume adjustable rather than fixed. The mixing chamber can be scaled or reconfigured to match different dispensing rates, allowing the system to adapt to various container types and fluid compositions while maintaining optimal mixing efficiency. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between steady-state flow requirements and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing modification of the mixing chamber volume and configuration parameters. When different fluid compositions or container types are used, the mixing chamber parameters can be adjusted to maintain the appropriate mixing-to-dispensing rate ratio, thereby preserving mixing efficiency across different operating conditions without requiring complete reconfiguration of the assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the assembly configuration is changed to fill different container types or fluid products, then product diversity is improved, but changeover time and material waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a mixing assembly that can handle multiple container types and fluid compositions through adjustable mixing chamber volume. Rather than requiring separate dedicated assemblies for different products, a single multi-functional assembly can be configured for various applications by adjusting the mixing chamber parameters, significantly reducing changeover time and eliminating the need for extensive reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes preliminary action by pre-configuring the mixing assembly with adjustable components that can be quickly repositioned or resized. The mixing chamber is designed to accommodate different volumes and configurations in advance, allowing operators to prepare the assembly for different product types without time-consuming modifications during changeover periods.
3Productivity
If the dispensing rate is increased to improve productivity, then filling speed is improved, but fluid splashing and contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using flow meters to monitor the fluid flow rate from the mixing chamber to the dispensing nozzle. The system provides feedback on the actual flow rate, allowing for real-time adjustments to maintain optimal dispensing conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that increased dispensing rates do not lead to fluid splashing or contamination, as the system can detect and correct flow anomalies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes mechanics substitution by replacing purely mechanical dispensing control with a combination of electronic flow measurement and control systems. Flow meters and controlled valve systems replace simple mechanical pressure regulation, enabling precise control of dispensing rates to maximize productivity while preventing fluid splashing and contamination through electronic feedback loops.
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
Enables efficient and flexible filling of containers with different fluid compositions and sizes, reducing downtime and material waste by separating mixing and dispensing rates, and ensuring minimal contamination between cycles.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly further comprises a piston pump located at least partially within the temporary storage chamber
Implementation Method 2
one or more air pumps in fluid communication with the temporary storage chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A container filling assembly that can be used with container filling systems to fill containers during successive filling cycles with the same or different fluid compositions at high rates of speed, with little to no machinery changeover, and/or with little to no fluid waste.