Filling Device Valve Body Positioning for Particle Beverage Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling devices face challenges in efficiently filling containers with multi-component beverages, particularly when one component contains pieces of fruit or similar, as the valves can cause spills and inadequate mixing.
Innovation Solution
A filling device with separate connections for each liquid, a mixing chamber, and a valve body that controls the outflow, allowing the liquids to be mixed close to the outlet and ensuring that the mixture is dispensed without splashing, using an actuating element that moves the valve body to manage the flow and prevent backflow of pulp or other particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a valve is used to control liquid flow in existing filling devices, then the liquid can be dispensed into containers, but the valve causes liquids with pieces of fruit or particles to spill around
Solution Approach 1:
The filling device is divided into separate functional zones: a mixing chamber where liquids are combined, and a separate discharge point where the mixture is dispensed. This segmentation allows the valve to control flow without directly contacting particles, preventing spilling while maintaining dispensing control
Solution Approach 2:
A mixing chamber acts as an intermediary between the liquid supply and the discharge point. The mixing chamber receives liquids from multiple sources, combines them, and then delivers the mixture through the valve to the container, preventing direct contact between the valve and particles
2Adaptability or versatility
If liquids are mixed in existing filling devices, then multi-component beverages can be filled, but the mixing is inadequate and particles may escape
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple liquid channels are merged into a single mixing chamber where the liquids are combined before discharge. This merging ensures thorough mixing of multi-component beverages while containing particles within the controlled environment of the mixing chamber
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing chamber serves multiple functions: it mixes liquids from different sources, controls the timing of mixture formation, and prepares the mixture for discharge. This multi-functionality enables versatile multi-component beverage filling with consistent mixing quality
3Measurement precision
If separate liquid channels are used for each component, then precise control of filling quantity is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple liquid channels are merged into a single mixing chamber with a common discharge point. This merging reduces the number of separate valves and control mechanisms while maintaining precise filling quantity control through the single valve that governs the mixture discharge
Data Source
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AI summary
Filling device (2) for filling containers (10) with a liquid and in particular a beverage, comprising a first connection (32) for supplying a first liquid to the filling device (2), a second connection (39) for supplying a second liquid to the filling device (30), wherein the first connection (32) and the second connection (39) are spaced apart from each other, a mixing chamber (42) formed within the filling device (2) in which the liquids are miscible, a first liquid channel (44) that directs the first liquid from the first connection (32) to the mixing chamber (42), and a second liquid channel (44) that directs the second liquid from the second connection (39) to the mixing chamber (42), wherein the first liquid channel (45) and the second liquid channel carry the first liquid and the second liquid separately from each other.and a valve body (56) for controlling the outflow of liquids from the filling device, and with an outlet (34) for dispensing the liquids to the container. According to the invention, the valve body (56) is arranged at least partially between the mixing chamber (42) and the outlet (34).