Multi-Component Beverage Filling Valve with Simultaneous Dosing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling technologies for multi-component beverages face limitations in dosage flexibility and range, particularly when dealing with small and large quantities, due to constraints in dosing time and volume flow, which affects process efficiency and complexity in mechanical engineering.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base reservoir, filling valve, and secondary lines that allow for simultaneous dosing of components into a dosing chamber, using flow meters to measure fluid quantities without contact, and metering valves for precise control, enabling flexible and accurate dosing across a wide range without contaminating the line system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate dosing stations are used for each component, then dosing accuracy for individual components is improved, but device complexity and process complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dosing functions into a single dosing station with one filling valve that receives multiple components simultaneously. This merging approach maintains dosing accuracy through individual dosing lines and flow meters for each component while eliminating the need for multiple separate dosing stations, thereby reducing device and process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the dosing process by providing separate dosing lines for each component that converge at a common filling valve. Each component is dosed independently through its own line with individual flow meters, allowing precise measurement and control while maintaining a unified filling operation.
2Productivity
If multiple components are dosed simultaneously via separate lines at a common filling station, then filling time is reduced, but the container opening size becomes a limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dosing lines into a single common filling valve that dispenses all components simultaneously into the container. This consolidation allows rapid simultaneous dosing of multiple components through one valve opening, overcoming the limitation of small container openings while maintaining high productivity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If components are mixed late (during or shortly before filling), then carryover of flavorings is prevented, but dosing range is limited by available dosing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary dosing of all components into a common dosing chamber before the actual filling operation. This preliminary action allows sufficient time for accurate dosing of multiple components while ensuring they are ready for immediate simultaneous discharge, preventing carryover while maintaining extended dosing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous flow of base liquid through the dosing chamber while dosing components are introduced. This continuous action ensures complete discharge of all dosed components into the container, eliminating residual carryover while allowing extended dosing time for multiple components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dosing range is increased to accommodate both small and large quantities, then versatility is improved, but dosing accuracy for small quantities becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flow meters that can accurately measure a wide range of flow rates, from very small to large quantities. By changing the measurement parameters of the flow meters and adjusting dosing line dimensions, the system achieves high dosing accuracy across an extended dosing range, accommodating both small and large component quantities.
5Measurement precision
If feedback from dosing system is implemented, then dosing accuracy and quality control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using flow meters on each dosing line to measure the actual quantity of each component dosed. This measurement information is fed back to the control system, which can monitor and adjust dosing operations to ensure accuracy. The feedback mechanism maintains dosing precision while using standard flow meter technology.
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 device simplifies the filling process by allowing simultaneous dosing of multiple components at a single position, increasing the dosing range and accuracy, reducing mechanical complexity, and minimizing carry-over of flavorings, while being suitable for both linear and rotary machines and highly viscous fluids.
Implementation Method 1
the desired quantity can be measured, for example, by volume measurement using a flow meter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Device (1) and method for filling a container (2) with a filling product comprising a base liquid and at least one dosage component, preferably in a beverage filling plant, wherein the device (1) comprises: a base reservoir (10) configured to provide the base liquid; a filling valve (11) configured to introduce the filling product into the container (2); a base line (20) with a base line (21) connecting the base reservoir (10) to the filling valve (11) in fluid communication, a flow meter (22) arranged on the base line (21) between the base reservoir (10) and the filling valve (11) and configured to determine the amount of fluid passing through the flow meter (22) in the base line (21), and a metering chamber (23) arranged between the flow meter (22) and the filling valve (11);at least one dosing branch (24) of the baseline, configured to introduce a dosing component into the dosing chamber (23) of the baseline; at least one secondary line (30) with a line (31) that connects the base reservoir (10) to the dosing chamber (23) of the baseline via a valve (36), a flow meter (32) arranged on the line (31) between the base reservoir (10) and the valve (36) and configured to determine the amount of fluid passing through the flow meter (32) of the secondary line in the line (31), and a dosing chamber (33) arranged between the flow meter (32) of the secondary line and the valve (36); and at least one dosing branch (34) of the secondary line, configured to introduce a dosing component into the dosing chamber (33) of the secondary line.