Low-Splash Filling Valve Assembly With Two-Stage Shutoff

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluid shutoff valves in high-speed container filling systems often cause fluid to splash back, leading to waste, contamination, and the need for larger containers with excess head space, resulting in increased material costs and inefficient filling.

Innovation Solution

A low splash fluid shutoff valve assembly featuring a piston-type valve configuration with a reservoir region and a second valve oriented perpendicular to the fluid flow path, which closes after the first valve to reduce pressure and prevent fluid exit, minimizing splash-back.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional pumps and valves are used in high-speed filling systems, then filling speed can be maintained, but fluid splash-back occurs causing waste and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling speedVSAvoidfluid waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The filling system is divided into multiple independent valve components (first valve and second valve) positioned at different locations in the fluid path. This segmentation allows each valve to perform a specific function: the first valve controls main fluid flow while the second valve precisely controls fluid discharge, enabling high-speed filling without splash-back waste

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first valve closes before the second valve in a coordinated sequence. This preliminary action of the first valve stopping main fluid supply before the second valve closes completely prevents pressure surge and fluid splash-back, eliminating waste while maintaining filling speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If conventional valves are used to shut off fluid flow, then filling can be completed, but fluid pressure surge causes splash-back out of the container

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling completionVSAvoidfluid splash-back
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid shut-off function is segmented into two valves: the first valve shuts off main fluid supply from the pump, and the second valve (positioned at the container opening) precisely controls the final fluid discharge. This segmentation eliminates pressure surge by distributing the shut-off action across two stages, preventing splash-back

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first valve performs a preliminary shut-off action before the second valve completes the fluid discharge. This preliminary closure of the main supply valve prevents pressure buildup that would cause splash-back, while the second valve continues to allow controlled fluid flow into the container

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If head space is added to containers to prevent splash-back exit, then contamination is reduced, but container volume increases wasting material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidcontainer material waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the potential harm of fluid pressure surge into a benefit by using a coordinated two-valve closure sequence. The first valve closes to stop main supply, creating a pressure relief effect that prevents splash-back, while the second valve completes the controlled discharge. This eliminates the need for excess head space, allowing containers to be sized precisely to fluid volume, reducing material waste

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If head space is increased in containers, then splash-back containment is improved, but filling accuracy appears reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplash-back containmentVSAvoidfilling accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first valve performs a preliminary closure action that stops main fluid supply before the container is completely filled. This preliminary action prevents pressure surge and splash-back, while the second valve continues to allow precise controlled discharge. The result is both splash-back containment and accurate filling without needing excess head space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3359483B1Low splash filling valve assembly
Publication Date: 2024.09.18 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP3359483B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3359483B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3359483B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A low splash fluid shutoff valve assembly that can be used with systems that fill containers with fluids and methods of reducing fluid splash-back in filling operations.