Filling Machine Cleaning Nozzles for Low-Downtime Aseptic Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filling machines used for filling open-sided packs face challenges in achieving thorough and efficient cleaning without disrupting the production process, particularly in aseptic environments, leading to prolonged downtime and inadequate cleaning results.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device is integrated with the transport system of the filling machine, allowing for automated and reproducible cleaning by dispensing cleaning medium through nozzles while the machine is operational, ensuring thorough coverage of critical areas without hindering the transport and filling process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual cleaning methods are used to clean the filling machine, then cleaning thoroughness can be improved, but cleaning time and production downtime increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning thoroughnessVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filling machine performs its own cleaning automatically through integrated cleaning nozzles and circulation systems that clean components during or between filling operations, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning by operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical cleaning actions are replaced by automated fluid-based cleaning systems including cleaning medium circulation pumps, spray nozzles, and filtration systems that automatically clean filling components without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If frequent cleaning is performed to maintain aseptic conditions, then product contamination risk is reduced, but production throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaseptic condition maintenanceVSAvoidproduction throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system operates continuously or cyclically during production runs, with cleaning medium constantly circulating through filters and spray systems to maintain cleanliness without interrupting the filling process, thus preserving both aseptic conditions and production throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Cleaning actions are performed proactively during brief transitions or between batches rather than waiting for contamination to occur, allowing rapid cleaning cycles that maintain aseptic conditions without requiring prolonged production stoppages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the filling machine is stopped for cleaning, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but production downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoidproduction downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine cleans itself automatically with integrated cleaning systems that access all necessary components during operation or brief pauses, eliminating the need for complete machine shutdown and manual intervention to achieve cleaning accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system is designed to adapt its operation dynamically, allowing cleaning actions to occur during machine operation, between batches, or during brief transitions, optimizing the balance between cleaning accessibility and production continuity based on actual contamination levels and production requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enables efficient, automated cleaning of filling machines, reducing downtime and ensuring consistent cleanliness without excessive cleaning, thereby maintaining aseptic conditions and enhancing production throughput.

Implementation Method 1

a cleaning device (32) having at least one nozzle (34, 35) for dispensing cleaning medium is transported at least partially through the filling machine (1) by the transport device (13) and thereby dispense cleaning medium for cleaning the filling machine (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpray: Spray

Data Source

PatentUS12594586B2Cleaning method for cleaning a filling machine and filling machine for carrying out the cleaning method

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 SIG SERVICES AG

AI summary

A cleaning method for cleaning a filling machine for filling at least to one side open packs with products is described and illustrated, wherein the filling machine has a transport device for transporting the at least to one side open packs through the filling machine. To ensure satisfactory cleaning results repeatably in a defined and/or shorter time, it is provided that a preceding plurality of at least to one side open packs is transported at least partially through the filling machine by a transport device and is filled with products, at least one nozzle for dispensing cleaning medium is transported at least partially through the filling machine by the transport device and cleaning medium is thereby dispensed for cleaning the filling machine, and after the filling machine has been cleaned, a subsequent plurality of at least to one side open packs is transported at least partially through the filling machine by the transport device and is thereby filled with products.