Bidirectional Flow Meter for Multi-Component Beverage Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage filling devices often experience errors in measuring liquid flow rates, particularly when dealing with liquids containing particles, leading to undesirable mixtures and inefficiencies in the filling process, which complicates the operation and requires multiple measuring devices.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flow measuring system that determines liquid quantities in both flow directions, allowing for the differentiation of flow direction, enabling the temporary backflow of a first liquid component to measure the quantity of a second component, and incorporating a second liquid line for rinsing or additional components, which can be controlled using a valve system based on flow meter data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple flow measuring devices are used to determine the quantities of different liquid components, then the measurement precision of each component is improved, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The flow measuring device is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures the flow rate of the first liquid component in the forward direction, and simultaneously measures the flow rate of the second liquid component when the liquid flows in the reverse direction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measuring devices for each component, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision for both components
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the flow direction of the liquid to differentiate between measuring the first component and the second component. By controlling the filling device to reverse the flow direction, the same flow measuring device can accurately measure different components at different times, simplifying the overall device structure while preserving measurement capabilities
2Manufacturing precision
If flow measuring devices are used to determine the quantity of liquids, then the manufacturing precision of beverage mixtures is improved, but the reliability of measurement deteriorates when liquids contain particles
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the flow direction as an intermediary to differentiate between measuring the first liquid component and the second liquid component. The control device acts as a mediator that coordinates the filling device to reverse flow direction, enabling the flow measuring device to accurately measure both components without being affected by particles in the mixture
Solution Approach 2:
The filling process employs periodic action by alternating between filling with the first liquid component and flushing with the second liquid component. This periodic reversal of flow direction allows the flow measuring device to reliably measure each component separately, overcoming the reliability issues caused by particles in multi-component beverages
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second liquid line is used to supply additional liquid components, then the adaptability of the filling device is improved, but the measurement accuracy may deteriorate due to potential interference with the flow meter
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply system is segmented into a first liquid line for the first component and a second liquid line for the second component. The second liquid line is configured to connect to the first liquid line at a specific point, allowing the control device to selectively supply the second component through this separate path. This segmentation enables adaptable multi-component filling while maintaining measurement accuracy by controlling when and how each component is introduced
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (1) for filling liquids, and in particular beverages, into containers (10), comprising a filling device (2) which fills the liquid into the containers (10), a liquid line (4) which supplies the liquid to the filling device (2), wherein the liquid flows in the liquid line (4) in a first flow direction (R1), and wherein a flow measuring device (6) is arranged in the liquid line (4) which determines the quantity of liquid passing through the flow measuring device (6) in the first flow direction (R1). According to the invention, the flow measuring device (6) is configured such that it also determines the quantity of liquid passing through the flow measuring device (6) in a second flow direction (R2), which is opposite to the first flow direction (R1).