Closure Device Nozzle Arrangement for Oxygen Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closing devices for containers, such as bottles and cans, allow atmospheric oxygen to enter the headspace during the closing process, leading to residual oxygen levels of around 2% by volume, which can be detrimental for oxygen-sensitive chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Innovation Solution

A closing device with a central and peripheral nozzle arrangement that ensures the entire filling opening and its periphery are exposed to inert gas flushing, preventing the introduction of atmospheric oxygen, and an additional nozzle to displace oxygen from the closing element recess, achieving a residual oxygen content of <0.5% by using a movable nozzle device and coordinated control for efficient gas flow and element attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a single central nozzle arrangement is used for flushing the container, then the filling opening is exposed to flushing gas, but atmospheric oxygen can still enter through the periphery of the filling opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresidual oxygen in headspaceVSAvoidnozzle arrangement structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle device is divided into two distinct nozzle arrangements: a central nozzle arrangement for flushing the filling opening and a peripheral nozzle arrangement for flushing the periphery. This segmentation allows each nozzle arrangement to perform its specific function effectively, preventing atmospheric oxygen from entering through different regions of the filling opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a single-point flushing approach to a multi-dimensional flushing system. The peripheral nozzle arrangement adds a spatial dimension around the filling opening periphery, creating a comprehensive flushing zone that covers both the central opening and its surrounding areas, thereby eliminating dead zones where oxygen could accumulate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the nozzle device remains stationary during closing, then flushing can be performed, but the closing element setting apparatus cannot access the container opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosing element attachmentVSAvoidflushing to closing transition

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle device is designed to be movable between a flushing position, where nozzles are aligned with the filling opening, and a retracted position, where the closing element setting apparatus can access the container opening. This dynamic positioning resolves the conflict between performing effective flushing and allowing closure operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flushing operation is completed in advance before the closing element setting apparatus needs to access the container. By performing the flushing action first and then retracting the nozzles, the system ensures that the filling opening is already free of atmospheric oxygen before the closure element is attached, eliminating the need for simultaneous coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If additional peripheral nozzles are added to flush the closing element recess, then oxygen displacement is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen in closing element recessVSAvoidnozzle device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The peripheral nozzle arrangement serves dual functions: it flushes the periphery of the filling opening during the flushing operation and also flushes the closing element recess to displace atmospheric oxygen. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate nozzle systems for different flushing tasks, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive oxygen displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively minimizes the introduction of atmospheric oxygen into the container, reducing residual oxygen in the headspace to extremely low levels, ensuring the integrity of oxygen-sensitive contents during closure.

Implementation Method 1

a flushing apparatus with a nozzle device for blowing in flushing gas into a container to be closed though its filling opening prior to closure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow:

Implementation Method 2

both the filling opening and also its periphery are exposed to a flushing gas flow when the nozzle device outputs flushing gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas displacement:

Data Source

PatentUS11414229B2Closure device for adding gas to and closing containers that have a filler opening

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 BAUSCH STROEBEL MASCHINENFABRIK ILSHOFEN GMBH CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a closing device for closing containers which have a filling opening, such as bottles or cans, comprising a positioning apparatus for arrangement of a container to be closed into a position for closing, a flushing apparatus with a nozzle device for blowing in flushing gas, in particular inert gas, into a container to be closed though its filling opening prior to closure, a closing element setting apparatus for attachment of a closing element to a container to be closed in a position which closes its filling opening and thus the container and a control apparatus.