Filling Machine Ring Network Topology for Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling machines require complex and space-intensive star cabling for networking, which complicates installation and maintenance, especially in rotating machines where direct radial cabling is not possible, leading to increased costs and downtime due to faulty cables.
Innovation Solution
A filling machine with a ring structure network that uses switchable control devices to create a linear topology, allowing for simpler assembly and maintenance by routing a single network line between control devices and automatically reconfiguring in case of defects, eliminating the need for star-type cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If star cabling is used to connect control devices to a central node, then each component has full connection bandwidth available, but installation space requirements and cable management complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple linear topologies that can be dynamically activated. Instead of one large star network, the system divides connections into smaller segments that can be routed through the peripheral structure, reducing the need for centralized cable management space.
Solution Approach 2:
The network topology transitions from a two-dimensional star pattern (radial connections from center) to a one-dimensional linear chain along the periphery. This dimensional change allows cables to be routed along the outer circumference rather than converging at the center, significantly reducing installation space requirements.
2Ease of operation
If multiple network cables of different lengths are laid along the circumference for 16 filling nozzles, then each nozzle can be connected individually, but cable storage complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses uniform cable lengths that can be easily stored and replaced. By standardizing cable dimensions, the system eliminates the complexity of managing multiple cable lengths, making storage simpler and maintenance more efficient while still providing individual connection capability to each nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral routing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for cables, defines the linear network topology, and enables easy access for maintenance. This universal structure replaces the need for specialized cable management systems for different cable lengths.
3Quantity of substance
If a bundle of network cables is routed through the center of a rotating filling machine, then all control devices can be connected, but the cross-sectional area required increases and radial cabling becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing moves from a radial arrangement (converging at the center axis) to a tangential arrangement (following the peripheral circumference). This dimensional repositioning eliminates the need for a large central cable bundle, as cables are distributed along the outer edge where space is abundant and does not interfere with central components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable bundle is extracted from the central region and relocated to the periphery. By removing cables from the center, the system eliminates the volume conflict with rotating components and storage containers, while still maintaining connectivity to all control devices through the peripheral routing path.
4Reliability
If a closed ring network structure is used for data exchange, then redundancy is provided, but network packet congestion can occur within a very short time
Solution Approach 1:
The network topology is made dynamic through switchable connections at the ends of the linear structure. The system can switch between a linear configuration (for normal operation with reduced congestion) and a ring configuration (for enhanced redundancy when needed). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between speed and reliability based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The network is segmented into a linear topology with controlled endpoints rather than a continuous ring. By introducing defined ends to the network path, the system prevents the circular traffic patterns that cause packet congestion, while still providing redundancy through alternative routing options at the segment boundaries.
Data Source
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AI summary
Filling machine and method for operating a filling machine for filling products into containers with at least a multiplicity of filling devices with in each case at least one controllable filling member and at least a plurality of control devices. Each filling device is assigned a control device for controlling the filling process with the filling member. Each filling device of the multiplicity of filling devices is connected to at least one control device, in order to control the filling devices and to ensure data exchange with the filling devices. The plurality of control devices consists of at least three control devices which in each case comprise at least two ports and are connected to form a ring structure. Here, at least one control device of the plurality of control devices is configured as a switchable control device and comprises at least one port which can be switched on and off, in order to interrupt the ring structure in a targeted manner.