Injection Head Degasification Control for Carbonated Beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for degasification of carbonated beverages in containers, such as sparkling water, involve a single continuous movement of the injection head, which can lead to foaming and over-spilling, and are not efficient in terms of cycle time.
Innovation Solution
A method involving controlled and progressive movements of the injection head along a longitudinal axis, including initial slow movement away from the sealing position to establish a small gap, return to the sealing position for stabilization, and subsequent movements to further non-sealing positions at varying velocities, utilizing fluid-operated actuators and valves to manage the process, ensuring efficient and controlled venting to atmospheric pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single continuous movement of the injection head is used for degasification, then the process is simple, but it causes foaming and over-spilling
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous injection head movement is segmented into multiple discrete steps: initial slow movement to first non-sealing position, return to sealing position, holding phase, movement to second non-sealing position, and final rapid movement to third non-sealing position. This segmentation allows controlled venting at different stages, preventing foaming and over-spilling by allowing the system to stabilize between each phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection head executes periodic cycles of movement and return, transitioning between sealing and non-sealing positions. The periodic action includes moving away from sealing position, returning to sealing position, holding for a predetermined time, and then moving again. This rhythmic pattern enables controlled communication with atmospheric pressure while preventing uncontrolled foaming.
2Device complexity
If a single continuous movement of the injection head is used for degasification, then the process is simple, but the cycle time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The degasification process is divided into sequential phases with different velocity characteristics. The initial movement to the first non-sealing position uses low velocity for control, while the final movement to the third non-sealing position uses high velocity to rapidly complete venting. This segmentation of the movement process optimizes both control and speed, reducing overall cycle time while preventing foaming.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection head velocity is dynamically adjusted throughout the process. The system transitions from low velocity during initial venting phases to high velocity during the final venting phase. This dynamic velocity control allows the system to achieve rapid cycle times while maintaining control during critical phases to prevent foaming and over-spilling.
3Speed
If the injection head moves away from sealing position rapidly, then the cycle time is reduced, but foaming and over-spilling occur
Solution Approach 1:
The rapid movement is segmented into controlled phases. The system first moves slowly to the first non-sealing position to establish controlled venting, then returns to sealing position for stabilization. Only after this preliminary phase does the system execute rapid movement to the third non-sealing position. This segmentation allows high speed in the final phase while preventing foaming through controlled preliminary phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions before rapid venting occurs. Specifically, the injection head first moves to the first non-sealing position at low velocity to initiate controlled communication with atmospheric pressure, then returns to sealing position and holds for a predetermined time to stabilize the system. This preliminary action prepares the system for rapid subsequent movement without causing foaming, as the venting pathway is already established.
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
This approach reduces foaming and over-spilling while achieving a shorter cycle time compared to traditional methods, allowing for smooth and efficient degasification of carbonated beverages without complete gas removal.
Implementation Method 1
venting of the dispensing opening of the container to atmospheric pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A method of degasification of a carbonated beverage-filled container in an apparatus for blowing and filling containers, the apparatus including a mold enclosing a blown and carbonated beverage-filled container. The container includes a dispensing opening, an injection head that is movable along a longitudinal axis, passing by the dispensing opening of the container, between a sealing position in which the injection head is in a sealing engagement with the dispensing opening and a non-sealing position in which the injection head spaced from the dispensing opening. The method includes the steps of moving the injection head away from the sealing position to a first non-sealing position, moving the injection head from the first non-sealing position back to the sealing position, and after moving the injection head back, moving the injection head away from the sealing position to a second non-sealing position that is different from the first non-sealing position.