Fluid Supply Module Gas Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging machines face challenges in accurately filling liquids due to gas bubbles, which affect the precision of the filling process, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, where exact dosing is crucial, and existing methods often result in liquid waste and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A fluid supply assembly with a multi-way valve device and sensors to detect and remove gas bubbles from the fluid paths, allowing for targeted removal and recycling of liquids, reducing waste and maintaining hygiene standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If gas bubbles are removed from the fluid path, then filling precision is improved, but liquid waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where liquid containing gas bubbles is diverted to a holding tank for temporary storage, then returned to the product tank for recycling. This recovery mechanism prevents liquid waste while maintaining filling precision by continuously removing gas bubbles through the multi-way valve device and sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sensors (first sensor in the first fluid path, second sensor in the third fluid path) that provide feedback about gas bubble presence to the control device. This feedback loop enables real-time detection and response, allowing the system to remove gas bubbles while minimizing liquid loss through intelligent control of the multi-way valve device.
2Manufacturing precision
If gas bubbles are removed from the fluid path, then filling accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-way valve device serves multiple functions: it acts as a flow control mechanism, a gas bubble removal valve, and a fluid path switching device. By consolidating these functions into a single component rather than using separate mechanisms for each function, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining filling accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding tank serves as an intermediary component between the fluid path and the product tank. It temporarily stores liquid containing gas bubbles and enables their controlled return to the product tank, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to direct removal methods while ensuring filling accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If gas bubbles are removed from the fluid path, then dosing precision is improved, but liquid loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recovery system where liquid diverted from the fluid path due to gas bubble detection is collected in a holding tank and then returned to the product tank. This ensures that liquid is not lost but rather recycled, maintaining dosing precision while preventing liquid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of gas bubbles using sensors before the liquid reaches the filling device. By detecting gas bubbles in advance (in the first fluid path before the filling point, and in the third fluid path after the valve), the system can take preliminary corrective action to remove gas bubbles while preserving liquid through recycling.
4Manufacturing precision
If gas bubbles are detected and removed, then filling precision is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by implementing real-time gas bubble detection and removal during the filling process. The multi-way valve device continuously monitors and adjusts fluid flow based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for separate conditioning phases and maintaining continuous productive action while ensuring filling precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor feedback system provides real-time information about gas bubble presence to the control device, enabling immediate response and correction. This continuous feedback loop allows the system to maintain filling precision without significant time delays, as corrections are made instantly rather than through separate inspection and rework cycles.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid supply assembly (10) with a multi-way valve device (12) having at least one inlet (14) and at least one first and one second outlet (16, 18), wherein the fluid supply assembly (10) has at least one first fluid path (20) for supplying a liquid from a product tank (58), wherein the at least one first fluid path (20) is in fluid communication with the at least one inlet (14) of the multi-way valve device (12), wherein the fluid supply assembly (10) has a second fluid path (22) for discharging a liquid to a filling device (50), wherein the second fluid path (22) is in fluid communication with the first outlet (16) of the multi-way valve device (12), and wherein the fluid supply assembly (10) has at least one first sensor (24) for detecting gas bubbles in the at least one first fluid path (20).and wherein the fluid supply assembly (10) comprises a control device (26) for controlling the multi-way valve assembly (12), wherein the control device (26) is coupled to the at least one first sensor (24).