Filler Cam Apparatus With Adjustable Insert Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filler equipment struggles to provide rapid and adjustable movements to the follower mechanism, particularly for air lock fill valves, which leads to slow or non-existent fluid flow due to resistance between the vent tube and dispensing portion, making it difficult to clear the vent tube and initiate dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A filler cam apparatus with an upward directing portion and insert members that can be releasably attached to the main body in multiple orientations, allowing for adjustable cam surfaces to impart quick movements and create an imbalance between the vent tube and dispensing portion, facilitating fluid flow by clearing the vent tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a fixed cam with large sections is used to guide the bottle receiving member, then the structural stability is maintained, but the ability to impart quick movements to the follower is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cam is divided into a main body and separate insert members. The insert members can be independently replaced or adjusted without replacing the entire cam structure. This segmentation allows quick movement profiles to be introduced through small insert members while maintaining the overall structural stability of the main cam body.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam system transitions from a fixed, static design to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. Insert members with different cam profiles can be installed depending on the specific filling requirements, fluid type, and bottle characteristics, allowing the system to adapt its movement characteristics dynamically.
2Speed
If the cam is replaced or modified to impart quick movements, then the follower speed is improved, but the difficulty of maintenance and replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cam into a permanent main body and removable insert members, the system allows easy replacement of only the insert portion when movement profile changes are needed. This maintains simplicity in maintenance while achieving the required follower speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The main cam body is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different insert members. Each insert member can be designed for specific filling scenarios, but all fit into the same main body structure, simplifying inventory and replacement procedures.
3Productivity
If the vent tube is not cleared, then the valve structure remains simple, but the fluid flow becomes slow or non-existent
Solution Approach 1:
The cam insert members create periodic, rapid movements of the follower that correspond to the timing needed to clear the vent tube just before valve closure. This periodic action disrupts the fluid balance in the vent tube, preventing air locks and ensuring continuous, high-speed flow through the dispensing portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A filler cam apparatus having an upward directing portion and an insert member. The upward directing portion having a generally circular configuration, and includes a main body with an upper cam surface extending therealong. The upwardly directing portion includes at least one insert slot. The insert member is releasably attachable to the main body, positionable in the insert slot. The insert member has a body defining a base, an outer surface and an inner surface. The base of the insert member interfaces with the base of the main body. The insert member further includes an upper cam surface including an entry and an exit and a central valley. The entry and exit correspond to opposing portions of the upper cam surface of the main body on either side of the at least one insert slot, with the central valley defining a downward depth.