Beverage Filling Element with Segmented Gas Shutoff Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filling elements used for both open-jet and pressure filling face challenges with residual dripping and contamination issues due to the need for time-consuming and labor-intensive changeovers to install or remove gas shutoff valves, especially when switching between filling methods for carbonated beverages.
Innovation Solution
A filling element with a controllable liquid valve system that includes an additional flow path with a gas shutoff valve for pressure filling, allowing for seamless changeover between open-jet and pressure filling without the need to remove or reinstall gas shutoff valves, ensuring drip-free operation by routing return gas through the gas shutoff valve during pressure filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If gas shutoff valves are installed on the discharge opening for open-jet filling to prevent residual dripping, then dripping is restricted, but the filling element cannot be used for pressure filling of carbonated liquids without causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The filling element is divided into two separate flow paths: a first flow path with a gas shutoff valve for open-jet filling, and a second flow path without a gas shutoff valve for pressure filling. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific filling method, eliminating the conflict between preventing dripping and enabling pressure filling.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling element is designed with multiple discharge openings that can serve different functions. The first discharge opening is used for open-jet filling with gas shutoff, while the second discharge opening is used for pressure filling without gas shutoff. This multi-functionality allows a single filling element to handle both filling methods without requiring changeovers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gas shutoff valves are removed to enable pressure filling of carbonated liquids, then contamination is prevented, but residual dripping occurs during open-jet filling
Solution Approach 1:
The filling element is divided into two separate flow paths: a first flow path with a gas shutoff valve for open-jet filling, and a second flow path without a gas shutoff valve for pressure filling. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific filling method, eliminating the conflict between preventing dripping and enabling pressure filling.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling element is designed with multiple discharge openings that can serve different functions. The first discharge opening is used for open-jet filling with gas shutoff, while the second discharge opening is used for pressure filling without gas shutoff. This multi-functionality allows a single filling element to handle both filling methods without requiring changeovers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If filling machines are changed over between open-jet and pressure filling by removing or reinstalling gas shutoff valves, then filling method compatibility is achieved, but production time is lost and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filling element is designed with multiple discharge openings that can serve different functions. The first discharge opening is used for open-jet filling with gas shutoff, while the second discharge opening is used for pressure filling without gas shutoff. This multi-functionality allows a single filling element to handle both filling methods without requiring changeovers, thereby maintaining high production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling element is pre-configured with both flow paths and discharge openings during manufacturing. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for later modifications or changeovers when switching between filling methods, allowing immediate operation in either mode without loss of production time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional flow paths with gas shutoff valves are added to filling elements for pressure filling, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filling element is divided into two separate flow paths: a first flow path with a gas shutoff valve for open-jet filling, and a second flow path without a gas shutoff valve for pressure filling. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific filling method, eliminating the conflict between preventing dripping and enabling pressure filling.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling element is designed with multiple discharge openings that can serve different functions. The first discharge opening is used for open-jet filling with gas shutoff, while the second discharge opening is used for pressure filling without gas shutoff. This multi-functionality allows a single filling element to handle both filling methods without requiring changeovers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy and problem-free changeover between open-jet and pressure filling methods, reducing production costs and contamination risks, while maintaining a drip-free operation without additional components or complex installations.
Implementation Method 1
a gas shutoff valve (13.1) is provided in the additional discharge opening
Data Source
AI summary
A container filling element for filling containers with a liquid. The filling element has two liquid ducts and two separate discharge openings in a housing, as well as separate valves which control the flow of liquid for each liquid duct and discharge opening. A gas shutoff element is disposed in one of the liquid ducts and is positioned adjacent to each of the discharge openings.