Capsule Filling Machine Integrated Cleaning Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capsule filling machines require significant installation space and cannot associate capsules with their processing paths after cleaning, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, especially in cleanroom environments.

Innovation Solution

A capsule filling machine with integrated cleaning units that include leadthrough paths and cleaning elements for each processing path, allowing capsules to be cleaned in place and maintaining association with their processing paths, reducing the need for separate dedusters and minimizing installation space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate capsule dedusters are arranged outside the capsule filling machine, then cleaning of capsules is achieved, but installation space increases and capsules cannot be associated with their processing paths after cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning unit is integrated into the capsule filling machine by combining the cleaning function with the existing machine structure. The leadthrough paths are formed within the machine housing, and cleaning elements are mounted inside the machine, merging two separate functions (filling and cleaning) into one integrated system, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining cleaning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine housing and processing paths serve dual purposes: they guide capsules during the filling process and simultaneously serve as leadthrough paths for the cleaning process. This multi-functionality allows the same structural elements to perform multiple tasks, eliminating the need for separate dedicated cleaning equipment and reducing overall installation space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If separate capsule dedusters are arranged outside the capsule filling machine, then cleaning of capsules is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the cleaning unit into the capsule filling machine, the system reduces the number of separate devices needed. The cleaning function is combined with the filling machine structure, eliminating the need for standalone dedusters and their associated containments, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The processing paths and machine housing perform multiple functions - guiding capsules during filling and serving as leadthrough paths for cleaning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated components needed, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If capsules are cleaned in a separate deduster, then cleaning is achieved, but path association is lost and fault analysis becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidpath association

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating cleaning into the filling machine with leadthrough paths that maintain capsule routing, the system preserves the connection between capsules and their processing paths. capsules remain on their designated paths throughout both filling and cleaning operations, preventing loss of path association information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning unit is designed with separate leadthrough paths for each processing path, maintaining the segmented structure of individual capsule routes. This segmentation ensures that capsules from different processing paths remain distinct and can be traced back to their origin, preserving path association information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 cleaning and quality control of capsules while maintaining path association, reducing space requirements and operational costs by integrating cleaning units within the machine, facilitating systematic fault analysis and eliminating the need for separate dedusters.

Implementation Method 1

at least one cleaning element for cleaning the capsules arranged at each leadthrough path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11479377B2Capsule filling machine for filling capsules, and cleaning unit for a capsule filling machine

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 HARRO HOFLIGER VERPACKUNGSMASCHEN

AI summary

A capsule filling machine for filling capsules and a cleaning unit for use in a capsule filling machine are disclosed. The capsule filling machine includes at least two processing paths with a plurality of processing stations. One of the processing stations includes a cleaning unit. The cleaning unit has, for each of the at least two processing paths, a leadthrough path with a longitudinal axis for leading through capsules. At least one cleaning element for cleaning the capsules is arranged on each leadthrough path.