Filling Valve Assembly With Negative-Pressure Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling valve assemblies in liquid filling systems experience delays due to liquid accumulation in the vent path, which obstructs air venting and slows down the filling process, particularly with viscous and low viscosity liquids.
Innovation Solution
A filling valve assembly with a vent tube that induces a negative pressure condition as the valve moves to the fill position, using a pressure condition assembly to draw air upward through the vent tube, clearing residual liquid and facilitating quick venting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vent path is left open for air venting, then air can be vented from the container, but residual liquid accumulates in the vent path and obstructs subsequent venting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the upward movement of the lower valve part to proactively create a negative pressure condition in the vent tube before air venting is needed. This pre-established negative pressure immediately draws residual liquid out of the vent path when the valve opens, preventing obstruction and ensuring rapid, reliable venting from the first filling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pressure condition in the vent tube dynamic rather than static. The negative pressure condition is created temporarily during the valve opening transition and then maintained or adjusted during filling. This dynamic pressure adjustment optimizes both liquid clearance during opening and continuous venting during filling, resolving the contradiction between reliable venting and fast filling.
2Productivity
If the valve opens quickly to improve filling speed, then productivity increases, but air venting may be obstructed by liquid in the vent path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the upward movement of the lower valve part to proactively create a negative pressure condition in the vent tube before air venting is needed. This pre-established negative pressure immediately draws residual liquid out of the vent path when the valve opens, preventing obstruction and ensuring rapid, reliable venting from the first filling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of residual liquid in the vent path into a beneficial clearing mechanism. By creating a negative pressure condition that actively draws liquid out of the vent tube, the previously problematic liquid accumulation becomes a controlled process that ensures clean venting pathways, thereby maintaining both high filling speed and reliable venting.
3Reliability
If a vent tube is provided to clear liquid from the vent path, then venting reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vent tube functionality with the existing lower valve part structure. The vent tube is integrated into the valve assembly such that its upper end is sealed by the lower valve part, combining the liquid clearance function with the existing valve components rather than adding completely separate systems. This integration minimizes additional complexity while achieving reliable venting.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower valve part serves multiple functions: it controls liquid flow through the nozzle, seals the vent path during filling, and simultaneously creates negative pressure in the vent tube to clear residual liquid. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving venting reliability.
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 effectively clears residual liquid from the vent path, enhancing the speed and efficiency of the filling process by ensuring rapid air venting and preventing obstruction.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure condition assembly is adjusted such that a negative pressure condition is induced on the vent tube to draw air upward along the vent tube
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for controlling a filling valve assembly during a container filling operation, wherein the filling valve assembly includes a vent tube for venting air from the container during filling. The method involves utilizing a movement of a valve component to create a negative pressure condition at an upper end of the vent tube to promote air movement upward through the vent tube as the filling valve assembly is being opened for filling. A filling valve assembly configured to carry out the method includes a pressure condition assembly connected to a vent tube of the filling valve assembly.