Capsule Filling Device Movable Suction Head Ejection Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary transfer machines used for capsule filling have limited installation space, restricting the number and size of processing stations, which hampers productivity and requires separate stations for capsule ejection and cleaning, making it difficult to accommodate additional processing tasks.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a movable suction device with a pivoting suction head that functions as both an ejection and cleaning tool within a single station, allowing for simultaneous capsule ejection and receptacle cleaning without additional space, enabling the integration of more processing tasks like additional filling stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate ejection and cleaning stations are provided in rotary transfer machines, then capsule ejection and receptacle cleaning can be performed effectively, but installation space increases and additional processing tasks cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ejection function and cleaning function into a single integrated station. The movable suction head serves dual purposes: in the first position it enables capsule ejection, and in the second position it performs cleaning suction of the capsule receptacle. This merging eliminates the need for separate ejection and cleaning stations, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining functional effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction head is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform different operations at different positions. It functions as an ejection aid in the first position and as a cleaning device in the second position. This universality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated components, optimizing space utilization.
2Productivity
If the number of processing stations is increased to accommodate additional tasks, then productivity and processing capability improve, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging ejection and cleaning functions into one station, the patent frees up installation space that can then be utilized for additional processing stations or tasks. The space saved from eliminating redundant stations is redirected to expand productive capacity elsewhere in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable suction head operates in multiple positions (first position for ejection, second position for cleaning), effectively utilizing spatial dimensions to perform multiple functions within a single station footprint, thereby enabling space optimization for additional processing capabilities.
3Area of stationary object
If a movable suction head is used for both ejection and cleaning in one station, then installation space is reduced and additional processing stations can be added, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction head is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions (ejection and cleaning) through positional changes rather than structural complexity. The same component serves different purposes at different positions, which actually reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction head is made movable between two positions to enable functional versatility. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same component to adapt its function based on position, achieving multi-functionality without requiring complex structural modifications or multiple static components.
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
This solution increases productivity by eliminating the need for separate ejection and cleaning stations, allowing for two-row capsule receptacles and additional filling stations, while maintaining high cycle rates and effective cleaning without increasing installation space.
Implementation Method 1
the capsule holder is sucked off for cleaning by means of the suction head
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a capsule filling device for filling capsules (14) with a filling material and to a method for operating such a capsule filling device. The capsule filling device comprises a rotary table (11) with capsule holders (15) and stationary processing stations arranged around the rotary table (11), at least one of which is an ejection station (9, 10) for ejecting the filled capsules (14) from the capsule holder (15). The ejection station (10) is equipped with a suction device (16) and a movable suction head (17). The suction head (17) is movable back and forth between a passive ejection position and an active suction position. In the ejection position, the suction head (17) exposes the capsule holder (15) for the ejection of the capsules (14), and in the suction position, it is in contact with the capsule holder (15) for cleaning and suction of the capsule holder (15).