Aseptic Pouring Device for Vacuum-Sealed Granular Material Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for emptying vacuum-sealed packages of granular materials, such as dry yeast, are inefficient and risk contamination during the aseptic transfer process, as they require manual handling and can lead to air contamination when opening the package, causing reflux and loss of product.
Innovation Solution
A pouring device with a tubular body and a hollow piercing tool featuring a lateral opening and a shoulder stop, allowing for gravity-driven emptying of the package without manual tilting, and a shutter for disinfection, ensuring continuous and aseptic transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pouring of the package over the manhole is used, then the granular material can be transferred to the fermentation tank, but the operation is tedious and carries a non-negligible risk of harmful fall and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pouring device as an intermediary tool between the vacuum-sealed package and the fermentation tank. This device includes a receiving portion that receives the package and a pouring spout that directs the granular material into the tank, eliminating the need for manual pouring over the manhole and reducing contamination risk
Solution Approach 2:
The pouring device is designed to enable gravity-driven emptying of the package in a static position. The device structure itself facilitates the pouring operation without requiring manual tilting or complex manipulation, making the system self-sufficient for the transfer operation
2Productivity
If the vacuum-sealed package is opened by turning it over manually, then the granular material can be poured out, but this requires opening the manhole which allows non-sterilized air to enter the tank and potentially contaminate the wort
Solution Approach 1:
The pouring device acts as an intermediary system that connects to the fermentation tank through a sealed interface. The device maintains the aseptic barrier while enabling material transfer, allowing the manhole to remain closed and preventing contaminated air from entering the tank
Solution Approach 2:
The pouring device creates and maintains an aseptic environment during the transfer operation. By keeping the package in a static position and using a controlled pouring mechanism, the device prevents exposure to contaminated air while enabling complete emptying of the package
3Reliability
If disinfection of tools is performed manually with flame or disinfecting solutions, then germ transfer can be prevented, but the operation is tedious and success depends on operator care
Solution Approach 1:
The pouring device incorporates integrated disinfection capabilities that enable automated or semi-automated cleaning cycles. The device structure includes features that facilitate easy disassembly and cleaning, reducing dependence on manual operator skill for effective disinfection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical disinfection methods (flame, solution application) with more reliable automated disinfection systems that can be integrated into the pouring device, ensuring consistent and verifiable disinfection results
4Use of energy by moving object
If the package is emptied by turning it over, then gravity can drive the material flow, but the package must be manipulated dynamically which increases the risk of contamination and product loss
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of turning the package over to enable gravity flow, the pouring device inverts the approach by keeping the package in a static upright position and using a pouring spout to direct the material flow downward into the tank, maintaining gravity-driven flow without dynamic package manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The pouring device serves as an intermediary that enables gravity-driven material flow while keeping the package stationary. The device structure includes a receiving portion and pouring spout that facilitate controlled material discharge without requiring the package to be tilted or turned
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 quick and complete emptying of vacuum-sealed packages in a static position, minimizing contamination risks and product loss, while maintaining aseptic conditions during transfer.
Implementation Method 1
configured to ensure the continuous emptying of the contents of the vacuum-sealed package when the pouring device is oriented vertically, the pointed tip pointing upward, the granular material flowing by gravity through said lateral opening via the inlet opening and up to the outlet opening
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a pouring device suitable for piercing and emptying a granular material contained in a vacuum-sealed package, including: a tubular body, having a duct for the flow of the material, extending from an inlet opening positioned at a first end of the tubular body to an outlet opening for the granular material, positioned at a second end of the tubular body; and a hollow piercing tool having a distal end ending in a pointed tip, and a widened base at the proximal end thereof, rigidly connected to the body. The device further includes a shoulder serving as a stop coming into contact with the wall of the package to stop the pouring device when the wall is pierced by the piercing tool, and possibly a bowl bringing the granular material having escaped the hollow portion of the piercing tool into the inside of the hollow portion by gravity.