Multi-Bottle Filling Equipment With Flowmeter-Controlled Ducts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bottling solutions are inefficient, time-consuming, and economically burdensome, particularly for small-scale operations, due to the need for single-bottle filling, specialized machinery for different beverages, and bulky equipment that requires significant space and maintenance, limiting flexibility and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A modified filling equipment that allows simultaneous filling of multiple bottles with different beverages, featuring compact design, flexible operation, and precise control of flow rates through branching ducts and flow diverters, enabling integration into various spaces and continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If single-bottle filling is used, then filling precision is maintained, but filling efficiency decreases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filling system is segmented into multiple independent filling stations (first filling station, second filling station, etc.), each capable of filling bottles simultaneously. The transfer duct system is also segmented into multiple ducts that can independently convey different beverages to different filling stations, enabling parallel processing while maintaining individual control for precision filling.
Solution Approach 2:
A single filling machine is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating different beverage types through the transfer duct system. The machine can fill various beverages (carbonated, non-carbonated, different viscosities) by switching which transfer duct is active, eliminating the need for separate machines for each beverage type while maintaining filling precision through dedicated control for each duct.
2Productivity
If multiple machines are used in parallel, then filling efficiency increases, but economic cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filling functions that would traditionally require separate machines are merged into a single integrated filling machine. The machine incorporates multiple filling stations and a transfer duct system that can handle different beverages, achieving parallel processing capability while reducing the number of machines needed and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal filling machine design accommodates multiple beverage types and filling requirements within one device. The transfer duct system allows the same machine to be configured for different beverages without requiring separate specialized machines, reducing capital investment while maintaining high productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized machines are used for different beverages, then bottling parameters are precisely controlled, but equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single filling machine is designed with universal capability to handle different beverage types (carbonated, non-carbonated, different viscosities) through the transfer duct system. Each duct can be independently controlled to deliver the appropriate beverage to the correct filling station, maintaining precise bottling parameters without requiring separate specialized machines for each beverage type.
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage delivery system is segmented into separate transfer ducts, each dedicated to specific beverage types. This segmentation allows independent control of each duct's flow parameters while maintaining a unified filling machine structure, simplifying the overall system compared to having multiple specialized machines while preserving precise control for each beverage type.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention is used to change machine parameters, then adaptability to different beverages is achieved, but filling time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer ducts are pre-configured and connected to the filling machine in a fixed arrangement, with each duct designed for specific beverage types. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for manual reconfiguration when switching between beverages - the system is already adapted to handle different beverage types through the pre-established duct network, enabling rapid switching without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling machine incorporates a universal transfer duct system that can handle multiple beverage types simultaneously or sequentially without requiring manual parameter changes. The ducts are designed to accommodate different beverage characteristics, and the system can automatically switch between them, maintaining adaptability while eliminating reconfiguration time.
5Productivity
If bulky equipment is used, then filling capacity is sufficient, but space requirements and transport complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer ducts are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration within the filling machine, utilizing vertical and lateral spaces efficiently. This spatial arrangement allows multiple ducts to be integrated into a compact structure without compromising filling capacity, reducing the machine's footprint while maintaining the ability to handle multiple beverage types simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer duct system is designed with nested or integrated components where ducts are arranged to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces. This nesting approach allows the system to maximize filling capacity within a reduced overall volume, creating a compact machine that requires less installation space and is easier to transport while maintaining high productivity.
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
Enhances filling efficiency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness by allowing simultaneous filling of multiple bottles with different beverages while maintaining precision, reducing bulk and weight, and facilitating easy integration into industrial lines.
Implementation Method 1
Each duct (3) comprises at least one second outlet end (3b) connected to at least one flowmeter (5), said flowmeter (5) being configured to detect the flow rate of the liquid present inside the respective duct (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A receptacle filling equipment comprising a first plurality of transfer ducts (3), each having at least one first inlet end (3a) configured to interface with a dispenser and to receive from it a flow of a liquid, and at least one second outlet end (3b) connected to at least one flowmeter (5), wherein the flowmeter (5) is connected to a dispenser group (6) comprising a valve (7), configured to selectively allow the passage of the liquid, the valve (7) being connected to a dispensing duct (9).