Multi-component filling machine with rotating tube bundles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for filling containers with multi-component liquids are inefficient in terms of time and space usage, and lack flexibility in handling different liquid complexities and volumes.

Innovation Solution

A device with multiple product storage containers and evenly distributed filling stations, each equipped with a bundle of filling tubes that can rotate and retract, allowing precise dosing and flexible positioning to minimize space and maximize throughput, while ensuring precise control over liquid flow and container movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple filling stations are used to fill different components, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling throughputVSAvoidnumber of filling stations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filling system is divided into multiple independently controllable filling stations, each responsible for filling a specific component. This segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple filling operations simultaneously, increasing overall productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each filling station is designed to handle multiple liquid components through configurable filling tubes and valve systems. The filling stations can be adapted to fill different components (oils, additives, coolants) by adjusting the valve configurations and tube positions, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated stations for each component type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple filling tubes are positioned over the container, then the filling precision improves, but the space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing precisionVSAvoidfilling station footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The filling tubes are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration around the container rather than all positioned horizontally at the same level. Some tubes are positioned at different heights and angles, allowing multiple filling operations to occur in different spatial dimensions, thereby achieving precise dosing without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The filling tubes are arranged in a bundled configuration where smaller diameter tubes are positioned within or alongside larger diameter tubes. This nested arrangement allows multiple filling tubes to occupy minimal space while maintaining their individual positioning precision for accurate dosing of different components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Loss of substance

If the filling tubes are retracted after filling, then the liquid loss decreases, but the filling time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid lossVSAvoidfilling cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filling tubes are retracted periodically immediately after the filling operation is complete, rather than continuously. The system operates in cycles: extend tubes for filling, retract tubes to minimize liquid loss and prevent contamination, then extend again for the next filling operation. This periodic action balances liquid loss reduction with minimal interruption to the filling cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The filling tubes are positioned and aligned with the container opening before the filling operation begins, and remain in position only for the duration of the actual filling. The tubes are retracted promptly after filling completes, performing the retraction action preliminarily prepared and immediately executed to minimize the time tubes are extended and potential liquid loss occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Stability of the object's composition

If the container position is maintained horizontally, then the filling stability improves, but the flexibility in filling different components decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer stabilityVSAvoidcomponent filling flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

While the container maintains a generally horizontal position for stability, the filling tubes are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities. The tubes can be extended, retracted, rotated, and adjusted in angle independently of container orientation changes. This dynamic tube positioning allows the system to adapt to different component filling requirements while the container remains stable and horizontally positioned throughout the filling process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2650253B1Multi-component filling machine for filling containers with liquids

Publication Date: 2015.01.21 KRONES AG

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AI summary

The filling apparatus (100) has two product storage containers (111,112) for storing the liquid, and an evenly distributed filling station (101) for filling the containers (150). Two filling pipes (105) are arranged in a filling pipe bundle of the filling station, such that the position of the container is maintained with respect to the filling station in a horizontal direction during the filling operation. An independent claim is included for method for filling liquid.