Container-Filling Assembly Circulation Line Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing container-filling machines require a separate mixer with a buffer tank for mixing beverage components, which is time-consuming to clean and causes delays and dilution issues when switching between different beverages.
Innovation Solution
A container-filling assembly with a rotary filling machine that integrates a circulation line connecting the filling tank to beverage component supplies, allowing for continuous mixing and composition control without a separate mixer, using measuring sensor systems to adjust ingredient ratios in real-time and eliminate the need for a buffer tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a separate mixer with buffer tank is used to mix beverage components, then the beverage components can be mixed in advance, but the buffer tank requires time-consuming cleaning when switching to a new beverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mixing function with the filling machine by integrating a circulation line that connects the filling tank to beverage component supplies. This eliminates the separate mixer and buffer tank, allowing mixing to occur within the filling system itself. The circulation line enables beverage components to be mixed and circulated directly in the filling tank, eliminating the need for separate mixing equipment and reducing cleaning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling tank is given multiple functions: it serves as both the filling reservoir and the mixing chamber. The circulation line enables the filling tank to perform mixing functions that were previously dedicated to a separate buffer tank. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components that need to be cleaned and maintained.
2Productivity
If a separate mixer with buffer tank is used, then beverage components can be pre-mixed, but it causes delays when switching between different beverages
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the mixing and filling operations into a single integrated system, the patent eliminates the time delay associated with transferring beverages from a separate buffer tank to the filling machine. The circulation line allows continuous mixing and filling operations without interruption, as the filling tank itself serves as the mixing chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary mixing of beverage components directly in the filling tank before filling operations begin. The circulation line allows beverage components to be mixed and circulated in advance, ensuring the correct composition is achieved before filling starts, eliminating delays associated with post-mixing transfers.
3Productivity
If a separate mixer with buffer tank is used, then mixing can occur independently, but it requires additional equipment and space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mixer and filling machine into a single integrated system. The circulation line connects the filling tank to the beverage component supplies, enabling mixing to occur within the filling machine itself. This eliminates the need for a separate mixer and buffer tank, reducing equipment quantity and space requirements while maintaining mixing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling tank is designed to perform both filling and mixing functions. By making the filling tank universal, the system eliminates dedicated mixing equipment, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to mix beverage components effectively.
4Productivity
If beverage components are mixed in a buffer tank, then mixing can occur separately, but it causes dilution issues when switching beverages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates measuring sensor systems that continuously monitor the composition of beverage components in the circulation line. The filling-machine controller receives feedback from these sensors and automatically adjusts the dosage of beverage components to maintain precise composition. This closed-loop control ensures accurate beverage composition is achieved and maintained, eliminating dilution issues associated with manual or separate mixing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the dosage parameters of beverage components based on real-time measurements. The filling-machine controller modifies flow rates and mixing ratios to compensate for variations and maintain precise composition, ensuring manufacturing precision is achieved regardless of switching operations.
Data Source
AI summary
In a filling machine, a circulation line connects a filling element to a filling tank at a location for drawing beverage from the filling tank and at a location for adding beverage to the filling tank. A controller connects to a measuring system that itself connects to either or both the filling tank and the circulation line. Based in part on measurements from the measuring system, the controller controls addition of beverage components at a dosage section along the circulation line.