Cleaning Cap Lift Interface for Space-Saving Container Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filling devices for containers require large installation space for cleaning caps due to elongated filling level probes, leading to issues with flexible hoses that can damage and are difficult to clean, and pose hygienic risks.

Innovation Solution

A device with a first lifting device for the container support and a second lifting device for the cleaning cap, using a detachable interface for pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical supply, eliminating the need for long hoses and ensuring a hygienic design by keeping the interface in a protected area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the cleaning cap is integrated into a single assembly with the container support to reduce installation space, then the installation space is reduced, but the supply of compressed air or electrical energy becomes problematic requiring long flexible hoses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidsupply line configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supply device is divided into a first connection piece that moves with the container support and a second connection piece that is stationary or moves differently. This segmentation allows the supply connection to be maintained without requiring long flexible hoses, as the connection pieces can couple and decouple in a controlled manner during the cleaning cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second connection pieces act as intermediaries to transfer compressed air or electrical energy between the supply device and the cleaning cap lifting mechanism. This intermediary connection system eliminates the need for long flexible hoses by providing a direct, controlled connection path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If long flexible hoses are used to supply the lifting mechanism, then the lifting mechanism can be supplied with energy, but the hoses are at risk of collision and damage from broken glass

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting mechanism supplyVSAvoidhose durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vulnerable flexible hoses are extracted from the system and replaced with a rigid connection system using first and second connection pieces. This extraction eliminates the reliability issue of hose damage from broken glass while maintaining the ability to supply the lifting mechanism with compressed air or electrical energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using flexible hoses to accommodate movement, the invention inverts the approach by using rigid connection pieces that couple and decouple in a controlled manner. This inversion provides a more reliable connection that is not susceptible to damage from broken glass while still allowing the cleaning cap to move during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If flexible hoses are used for supply, then the lifting mechanism can be operated, but the hoses present hygienic disadvantages as they are difficult to clean thoroughly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting mechanism operationVSAvoidhygienic contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection pieces are designed as reusable, easily cleanable components that replace the difficult-to-clean flexible hoses. While not disposable in the traditional sense, the connection pieces can be quickly disassembled and cleaned, providing a hygienic solution that maintains operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible hoses that create hygienic problems are extracted from the system and replaced with rigid connection pieces that can be easily cleaned and sanitized. This extraction eliminates the hygienic contamination risk while maintaining the ability to operate the lifting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4660127A1Device for filling containers and associated operating method
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 KRONES AG
  • EP4660127A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4660127A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4660127A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates, inter alia, to a device (10) for filling containers (B) with a filling material. The device (10) comprises a filling element (12), a container support (24), and a first lifting device (26) connected to the container support (24) for vertically moving the container support (24) to raise and lower the supported container (B). The device (10) further comprises a cleaning cap (34) and a second lifting device (38) connected to the cleaning cap (34) for moving the cleaning cap (34) to cover the filling element (12). The device (10) further comprises a power supply unit (44) for driving the second lifting device (38), which has a connectable interface (46) with a first and second connecting piece (48, 50).