Filling Machine With Individually Propelled Shuttle Conveyance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filling machines for cellulose-based multilayer composite containers face inefficiencies in processing and throughput, particularly in handling container precursors and ensuring synchronized operation across multiple stations.

Innovation Solution

A filling machine with a conveyor system using individually propellable shuttles or carriers, propelled by an electric long-stator linear motor, allows for flexible indexing and independent travel of shuttles through processing stations, enabling adaptable throughput and synchronized operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional conveyor system is used to convey container precursors through processing stations, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the processing efficiency and throughput are limited due to synchronized movement of all carriers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidconveyor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system is segmented into multiple independent shuttles or carriers that can be individually propelled along the track. Each shuttle can be controlled separately, allowing different dwell times at different processing stations, thereby increasing processing efficiency without requiring a completely complex new system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor system transitions from a static synchronized movement pattern to a dynamic independently controllable system. The electric long-stator linear motor enables each shuttle to be propelled independently, allowing the system to adapt its operation to varying throughput requirements and optimize processing at each station

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If all shuttles or carriers move synchronously through processing stations, then the control system is simple, but the adaptability to varying throughput requirements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethroughput adaptabilityVSAvoidpropulsion system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion system enables dynamic control of each shuttle's movement independently. The electric long-stator linear motor can adjust the speed and positioning of each shuttle individually, allowing the system to adapt to varying throughput requirements while maintaining manageable control complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional mechanical conveyor system is replaced with an electric long-stator linear motor propulsion system. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages and synchronized drive mechanisms, replacing them with electrically controlled independent propulsion for each shuttle, thereby increasing adaptability while controlling overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the distance between adjacent shuttles is constant, then the conveyor system operation is simple, but the optimization of dwell time at each processing station is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedwell time optimizationVSAvoidconveyor operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shuttle spacing transitions from a constant static configuration to a dynamic variable spacing system. The electric long-stator linear motor enables each shuttle to be positioned independently, allowing optimization of dwell time at each processing station by adjusting the distance between shuttles based on processing requirements rather than maintaining uniform spacing throughout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 processing efficiency and flexibility by allowing independent shuttle movement, optimizing dwell time in each station and preventing shutdowns, thus improving production continuity and adaptability to varying throughput requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The shuttle propulsion system may comprise an electric long-stator linear motor configured for individually propelling each shuttle or carrier along the track

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear motor: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentUS12459689B2Filling machine and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 ELOPAK AS

AI summary

A filling machine (100) is disclosed having a processing unit (600) including a processing station (612, 614, 616) and a conveyor system (601) configured for conveying container precursors through processing station. The conveyor system has comprising a plurality of shuttles or carriers (602) configured for carrying the container precursors along a track (604) through the processing station and a shuttle propulsion system allowing each shuttle to be individually propelled along the track. A corresponding method is also disclosed.