Filling Machine Transport Device Cleaning Nozzle and Bulkhead

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filling machines face challenges in effectively cleaning transport devices from stubborn dirt and preventing contamination of secondary system parts, leading to product spoilage and increased cleaning complexity.

Innovation Solution

A space-saving and structurally simple cleaning system using a nozzle and splash wall arrangement to intensively spray and collect cleaning liquid, preventing contamination of secondary parts by directing the cleaning liquid through the transport device and collecting it with a bulkhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cooling water is used to clean the transport device, then dirt accumulation is reduced, but highly viscous product dirt cannot be effectively removed and accumulates on the transport device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddirt accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of cleaning liquid from cooling water to cleaning liquid specifically suited for removing highly viscous product dirt, enabling effective removal of stubborn contaminants from the transport device cells

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a bulkhead as an intermediary element to manage the cleaning liquid flow, directing it through the transport device cells and containing splashes to prevent dirt accumulation while maintaining effective cleaning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If cleaning liquid is sprayed intensively through the transport device to remove dirt, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but cleaning liquid and removed dirt contaminate secondary system parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcontamination of secondary parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bulkhead serves as an intermediary barrier that receives cleaning liquid through the transport device and directs its flow, preventing uncontrolled splashing and contamination of secondary system parts while maintaining intensive cleaning effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and contains the cleaning liquid flow within a controlled path defined by the bulkhead, separating the cleaning function from the secondary system parts to prevent contamination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the transport device is cleaned more effectively, then product contamination is prevented, but the cleaning system becomes more complex and space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct qualityVSAvoidcleaning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bulkhead performs multiple functions simultaneously: it contains cleaning liquid, directs flow through the transport device, prevents contamination of secondary parts, and structures the cleaning system, thereby achieving effective cleaning without increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the cleaning liquid containment, direction, and splash prevention functions into a single bulkhead structure, simplifying the cleaning system while maintaining effective dirt removal and product protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution effectively removes dirt from the transport device while preventing contamination of secondary system parts, maintaining product quality and simplifying the cleaning process.

Implementation Method 1

The transport device is sprayed with cleaning liquid by means of nozzles so intensively that the dirt is removed from the transport device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

the at least one nozzle and the at least one bulkhead are arranged on opposite sides of the transport device and opposite one another, with the jet direction of the nozzle aligned with the bulkhead, from which the cleaning liquid is drained in a targeted manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow direction control:

Data Source

PatentEP3583064B1Filling machine and method for filling packages with a fluid product
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 SIG TECH AG
  • EP3583064B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3583064B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3583064B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B

AI summary

The invention relates to a filling machine (1, 1') for filling packages (2) with fluid products with a continuously circulating transport device (14) for transporting the packages (2) through the filling machine (1, 1'), comprising a plurality of cells (15) for receiving the packages (2), wherein a supply device (13) for supplying packages (2) to be filled is assigned to a supply region (16) of the transport device (14), and an output device (27) for outputting the packages (2) is assigned to an output region (28) of the transport device (14), wherein a filling region (17) is provided between the supply region (16) and the output region (28) in the transport direction (14) of the transport device (14), and a return region (29) of the respective transport device (14) is provided between the output region (28) and the supply region (16), and wherein at least one nozzle (38, 38') for spraying the cells (15) with a cleaning fluid (40) is associated with the return region (29) of the transport device (14). According to the invention, so that the accumulation of impurities and the contamination of the filled product with microorganisms can be better prevented, a spray wall (39) is arranged on the side of the transport device (14) facing away from the at least one nozzle (38, 38') and opposite the nozzle (38, 38') in order to catch and discharge cleaning fluid (40) sprayed from the nozzle (38, 38') and passing the cells (15).