Container Track Routing for Flexible Multi-Product Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

High speed container filling systems are inflexible and costly, requiring extensive reconfiguration to handle different container types and fluids, leading to increased downtimes and manual handling inefficiencies, which limits their ability to provide diverse product lines efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A track system with propellable vehicles and unit operation stations that allows for the simultaneous filling and treatment of multiple container types with different fluids, enabling on-demand production without manual packing, by routing vehicles independently through a network of tracks and operation stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a high speed container filling system is configured to fill one type of container with one type of fluid, then filling efficiency is improved, but adaptability deteriorates requiring extensive reconfiguration for different container types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling speedVSAvoidcontainer type flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs multiple interchangeable nozzle assemblies that can be quickly swapped to accommodate different container types and fluid products. The carrier system is designed with adjustable configurations to handle various container sizes and shapes, allowing a single filling system to perform multiple functions without extensive reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components including variable nozzle positions, adjustable carrier configurations, and programmable control systems that can dynamically adapt to different container types and filling requirements, enabling rapid changeover between product lines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system configuration is changed to handle different container types and fluids, then product diversity is improved, but system downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct line diversityVSAvoidreconfiguration downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple nozzle assemblies are pre-configured for different container types and fluid products, allowing operators to quickly swap between pre-prepared configurations rather than reconfiguring components during changeover. The system maintains ready-to-use nozzle sets that can be rapidly installed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The filling system is divided into modular, independently replaceable components including nozzle assemblies, carrier sections, and control modules. This segmentation allows specific components to be changed without affecting the entire system, enabling rapid reconfiguration for different products

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple high speed container systems are employed to provide diverse product lines, then product variety is improved, but system cost and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct varietyVSAvoidnumber of systems required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single filling system is designed to handle multiple container types, sizes, and fluid products through interchangeable nozzle assemblies and adjustable carrier configurations, replacing the need for multiple dedicated filling lines and reducing overall system complexity and space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines multiple filling capabilities into one integrated platform by merging different nozzle types, carrier configurations, and control functions into a unified system that can be reconfigured for various products, consolidating what would traditionally require separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual handling is used to provide different container arrangements in packages, then packaging flexibility is improved, but labor cost and accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging arrangement flexibilityVSAvoidpackaging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automated container handling and positioning mechanisms that self-adjust to create different packaging arrangements based on programmed instructions, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining flexibility in package configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging system uses programmable and adjustable mechanisms that can dynamically reconfigure container arrangements according to different packaging requirements, providing the flexibility previously achieved through manual handling but with automated precision and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3509972B1Track system for creating finished products

Publication Date: 2023.11.15 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

Figure 1
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D

AI summary

A track system includes a primary transport portion and a secondary transport portion along which a plurality of vehicles can be propelled. Each secondary transport portion includes a unit operation station for performing a transformation on a container or the contents therein.