Container Retaining System Biasing Force for Mechanical Fill Valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of thinner, more flexible containers made from materials like PET poses challenges for mechanical fill valves, as they lack the strength to open these valves, leading to issues with fluid spillage and equipment complexity, especially during cleaning processes where electric valves are not well-suited.
Innovation Solution
A container retaining system with an upstand portion, a container retaining assembly, and a suspension assembly that includes a biasing member to support the container and facilitate the opening of mechanical fill valves, while allowing the fill valve to remain closed when no container is present, using a combination of adjustable mounts and strut assemblies to manage the force required to open the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If thinner, more flexible containers made from materials like PET are used, then material usage is reduced and cost is lowered, but the container lacks the strength necessary to open mechanical fill valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a container support structure as an intermediary element between the container and the fill valve. This support structure provides the necessary mechanical strength to open the fill valve without requiring the container itself to be stronger. The support structure acts as a mediator that transfers the force needed to open the valve while maintaining contact with the container body, thus resolving the contradiction between using thin-walled containers and having sufficient strength to operate mechanical valves.
2Strength
If additional support is provided to the container to open the fill valve, then the container can open mechanical valves, but the additional support can interfere with the operation of the fill valve
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with local quality differentiation - it provides rigid support at specific locations where force is needed to open the valve, while maintaining flexibility or clearance in other areas to avoid interfering with valve operation. The support structure includes features such as spaced-apart support surfaces and selectively positioned elements that provide strength exactly where needed without obstructing the valve's mechanical movement or sealing surfaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If the fill valve is opened during cleaning operations, then cleaning fluid can reach all areas within the valve, but fluid may spill onto the equipment if no container is present
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to provide preliminary anti-action by preventing unintended valve opening during cleaning operations. The structure includes features such as stoppers or limiting mechanisms that prevent the support structure from activating the valve unless a container is properly positioned. This preliminary protective measure ensures that during cleaning when no container is present, the valve remains closed or opens in a controlled manner, preventing fluid spillage while still allowing effective cleaning when containers are being filled.
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 system effectively supports the container to open mechanical fill valves without interfering with the fill valve operation, prevents fluid spillage by ensuring the valve remains closed without a container, and allows for efficient cleaning by controlling the movement of the fill valve during cleaning operations.
Implementation Method 1
The suspension assembly includes a biasing member configured to exert a biasing force to direct the lower plate toward the upper plate
Data Source
AI summary
A container retaining system comprising an upstand portion, a container retaining assembly, a suspension assembly. The container retaining assembly is coupled to the upstand portion and has an upper plate with a rear edge and a lower plate with an outer portion. The lower plate is positioned below the upper plate and rotatably coupled therewith. The outer portion extends outwardly to be capable of interfacing with a filler valve and/or container. The suspension assembly extends between the upstand portion and the upper plate, and includes a biasing member configured to bias the lower plate toward the upper plate. A downward force on the lower plate sufficient to overcome the biasing member directs the lower plate to rotate about the upper plate proximate a rear edge of the upper plate. A stopper associated with the lower plate defines the end of rotation of the lower plate.