Integrated Rotary Gassing and Seaming for Compact Container Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filling machines are expensive and inefficient for small-scale productions, requiring separate units for different stages of the filling process, leading to increased spatial footprint and installation complexity, and often necessitating off-site packaging due to high costs.
Innovation Solution
A rotary gassing and seaming station integrated with a narrow belt system allows for continuous processing of containers, enabling simultaneous gas filling and lid sealing without the need for additional transportation devices, thereby reducing spatial requirements and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate machines are used for different stages of the filling process, then each machine can be manufactured and installed independently, but the spatial footprint and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filling stations (first filling station, second filling station, third filling station) and the seaming station into a single integrated filling machine. This allows different filling operations to be performed in sequence within one machine, reducing the overall spatial footprint while maintaining independent manufacturability of the complete unit
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated filling machine performs multiple functions including filling containers at different stations, transferring containers between stations via internal conveyors, and coordinating with external seaming equipment. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated machines for each operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate machines are used for different stages of the filling process, then specialized functionality is maintained, but the number of transportation devices and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple conveyor systems (first conveyor, second conveyor, third conveyor) within a single filling machine structure. These conveyors handle container transfer between filling stations and to the seaming station, eliminating the need for external transportation devices and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The filling machine is divided into distinct functional stations (first filling station, second filling station, third filling station, seaming station) that can be manufactured and assembled independently, then integrated into a complete system. This modular segmentation maintains specialized functionality while simplifying installation
3Productivity
If conventional filling machines are used, then large-scale production capability is achieved, but the cost and production volume requirements make them unaffordable for small productions
Solution Approach 1:
The filling machine incorporates multiple filling stations (first, second, and third filling stations) that can operate in parallel or sequence, enabling the machine to scale production capacity. Small productions can utilize the machine at lower capacity levels while maintaining access to high-volume capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design combines filling, conveying, and seaming coordination in one machine, making it suitable for both small-scale and large-scale productions. The machine can be operated at flexible production levels, eliminating the need for small productions to outsource packaging or use oversized equipment
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 integrated system significantly enhances production speed and reduces spatial footprint, allowing small-scale productions to achieve high throughput and cost-effective on-site packaging.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one container piston of the rotary seaming station is movable around a center axis of the rotary seaming station. The at least one container piston holds the at least one container between a first radial position when the at least one container is within the rotary gassing station to at least a second radial position when the lid is seamed to the opening of the at least one container.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for closing fluid containers includes a rotary gassing station. In the rotary gassing station, at least one container containing a quantity of fluid within an interior space thereof receives a quantity of gas in the interior space. A rotary seaming station is positioned proximate to the rotary gassing station. In the rotary seaming station, a lid is seamed to an opening of the container to seal the quantity of fluid and the quantity of gas in the interior space. At least one container piston of the rotary seaming station is movable around a center axis of the rotary seaming station. The container piston holds the container between a first radial position when the container is within the rotary gassing station to at least a second radial position when a lid is seamed to an opening of the container in the rotary seaming station.