Filling Machine Alignment via Electronic Height and Inclination Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filling machine alignment methods are inefficient and prone to errors, particularly on uneven floors, leading to suboptimal alignment and potential mechanical stress due to incorrect height and inclination adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that measure the actual height and inclination of a filling machine, compare these values to a target state, and adjust the machine feet using calculation and feedback mechanisms to achieve precise alignment, ensuring correct height and inclination settings through automatic or manual adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional alignment methods (intuitive setting or spirit level) are used, then the alignment process is simple to perform, but the alignment precision and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical alignment tools (spirit levels, measuring tapes, intuitive setting) with an electronic measurement and control system. This system uses sensors to detect the actual state of the filling machine (height, inclination angles) and a calculation unit to process this data, thereby substituting mechanical measurement methods with electronic detection to achieve higher precision alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual state of the filling machine (measured by sensors for height and inclination) is continuously compared with the target state (desired height and inclination). The calculation unit processes this feedback information and determines the required adjustments, guiding the alignment process to achieve precise positioning. This closed-loop feedback system ensures high alignment precision while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If multiple machine feet are adjusted manually, then the height and inclination can be changed, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and energy-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment speedVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calculation of the required adjustments for each machine foot before actual adjustment takes place. The calculation unit determines the exact adjustment amounts needed based on the difference between actual and target states, allowing operators to make precise adjustments in a single step rather than through multiple trial-and-error iterations. This preliminary calculation action significantly reduces alignment time and increases productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction by automatically detecting the actual state of the filling machine through sensors and calculating the necessary adjustments. The system guides its own alignment process without requiring external expertise or repeated manual interventions, thereby reducing alignment time and improving productivity while minimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If height is set intuitively or with visual judgment, then the adjustment process is quick, but the alignment accuracy is poor leading to rework

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight alignment accuracyVSAvoidalignment operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces intuitive or visual judgment methods with electronic sensors that precisely measure the actual height and inclination of the filling machine. This substitution of mechanical sensing with electronic detection eliminates the imprecision of human judgment while maintaining ease of operation, as the system automatically captures and processes measurement data without requiring complex manual procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate feedback by comparing the measured actual state with the desired target state and calculating the required adjustments. This feedback mechanism guides operators through the adjustment process with precise numerical information, making the operation simple while ensuring high alignment accuracy. The feedback loop eliminates guesswork and enables accurate alignment in a straightforward manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If attachment machines are connected to an incorrectly aligned filling machine, then the production line can operate, but mechanical stress causes deformation or fractures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess stabilityVSAvoidmechanical component strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary alignment verification before connecting attachment machines to the filling machine. By measuring the actual height and inclination and comparing it with target values, the system ensures that the filling machine is properly aligned before operational loads are applied. This preliminary action prevents incorrect alignment from causing mechanical stress, deformation, or fractures in connected components, thereby protecting structural integrity while ensuring process stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting and correcting alignment deviations before they can cause harmful mechanical stress. The calculation unit determines the necessary adjustments to counteract potential misalignment issues before attachment machines are connected and operational forces are applied. This preventive approach protects mechanical components from stress-induced damage while maintaining reliable process operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP3123867B1Method and device for simplified alignment of a filling machine for sausage production
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 ALBERT HANDTMANN MASCHFABRICK
  • EP3123867B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3123867B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3123867B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for aligning a filling machine and a corresponding filling machine. In the method, the height and/or inclination of the filling machine is first measured according to its current state. The measured values ​​are then transmitted to a processing unit. The current state of the height and/or inclination is compared with a target state of the height and/or inclination. The height and/or inclination of the filling machine are then adjusted based on this comparison.