Filling Device Lateral Waste Port Film Residue Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for filling and emptying containers with powder/granular products are inefficient due to the frequent need for tubular film supply changes, leading to reduced container handling cycles and film waste.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base body forming a channel, a fastening device for tubular film, and a lateral rigid engagement section with a waste connection that allows for the attachment of a waste container, eliminating the need for continuous film supply and enabling longer handling cycles without film residue removal interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a film supply is used to provide continuous tubular film for multiple containers, then contamination-free handling is maintained, but the device requires frequent film supply changes which reduces productivity and creates waste disposal issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the film residue removal operation from the main filling/emptying cycle by providing a separate lateral access point. This allows the film residue to be removed through a different path than the product flow, enabling continuous operation without interrupting the main process for film supply changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary action by removing film residue immediately after each container is processed, rather than waiting for the film supply to be exhausted. This prevents accumulation of film waste and maintains readiness for the next container, thereby increasing overall productivity.
2Reliability
If a film supply is used to enclose film residue from preceding containers, then contamination-free operation is achieved, but the film supply itself becomes waste requiring special disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the film residue from the main product flow path and directs it through a separate lateral access point to a collection container. This separation allows film residue to be removed without contaminating the product channel, maintaining contamination-free operation while enabling efficient waste collection and disposal.
3Ease of operation
If the user reaches through the opening into the base body to remove film remnant, then film residue can be cleared, but the flow path may become contaminated and operation time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the device into distinct functional zones: a main product flow channel and a separate lateral access path for film residue removal. This segmentation ensures that operations performed at the lateral access point cannot contaminate the product flow channel, as the two paths are physically separated. The lateral rigid engagement section provides a dedicated entry point that isolates contamination risks.
4Duration of action of moving object
If frequent film supply changes are required, then continuous tubular film can be provided, but operational time is reduced and handling cycles decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by removing film residue immediately after each container processing cycle, rather than allowing it to accumulate until film supply exhaustion. This immediate removal prevents the need for frequent film supply changes, as the film can continue to be used for its intended purpose without interruption. The lateral access point enables this preliminary cleanup action without affecting the main film supply duration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for filling and/or emptying a container (1) containing a powder/granular product, wherein the device (1) comprises: a base body (2) forming a channel (3), the channel (3) extending along a channel axis; a fastening device (4) for attaching a tubular film to the base body (2) such that the powder/granular product can be transferred into and/or out of the container via the channel and the tubular film without contamination;and a lateral rigid engagement section (5) formed on the base body (2) and extending radially to the channel axis, wherein a flexible engagement hose is attached to an end of the engagement section (5) facing away from the base body (2), through which a user can, after attaching the tubular film to the fastening device (4), reach through the lateral engagement section (5) into the base body (2) in order to remove a film remnant originating from a preceding container, which is also attached to the fastening device (4) and which is enclosed by the tubular film; wherein a waste port (6) is formed in the lateral rigid engagement section (5), to which a waste container can be attached, into which the user can throw the removed film remnant through the waste port (6).