Magnetic Filling Valve Layout for Strong Coupling With Low Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling devices face challenges in improving magnetic coupling between the driving and driven magnetic assemblies while minimizing magnetic interference with other filling devices on the same carousel, which affects the aseptic conditions and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The filling device employs a unique configuration of magnetic actuator means with a specific arrangement of magnetic dipoles and a pneumatic actuator to enhance magnetic coupling, deflecting magnetic flux internally and reducing interference between nearby devices, thereby improving the magnetic coupling force and stability of the shutter movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the magnetic coupling between driving and driven magnetic assemblies is strengthened, then the operational stability and efficiency of the filling device is improved, but the magnetic interference with other filling devices on the same carousel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a concentrated magnetic flux path through the ferromagnetic material positioned between the driving and driven magnetic assemblies. This localized magnetic pathway strengthens the coupling force at the specific interaction point while containing the magnetic field within a defined region, thereby reducing stray magnetic interference with adjacent filling devices on the carousel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ferromagnetic material as an intermediary component between the driving and driven magnetic assemblies. This intermediary substance acts as a magnetic conductor that channels and focuses the magnetic flux, enhancing the coupling efficiency while simultaneously shielding the surrounding area from excessive magnetic interference, thus resolving the contradiction between strong coupling and low interference.
2Ease of operation
If the radial clearance for product passage is increased, then the ease of operation and product flow is improved, but the magnetic coupling strength between assemblies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ferromagnetic material serves as a mediator that extends the magnetic flux path radially outward, allowing the magnetic coupling force to remain strong even when the radial clearance for product passage is increased. This intermediary component effectively bridges the gap, maintaining magnetic force while permitting adequate space for product flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the radial clearance issue by introducing a dimensional solution through the ferromagnetic material that conducts magnetic flux along a different pathway. This allows the system to maintain strong coupling forces while accommodating increased radial clearance for product passage, effectively resolving the spatial conflict between these two requirements.
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 configuration strengthens the magnetic coupling between the driving and driven magnetic assemblies, reduces magnetic interference, and allows for increased radial clearance for product passage, enhancing the operational stability and efficiency of the filling device while minimizing the need for magnetic material, thus lowering costs.
Implementation Method 1
the driving magnetic assembly and the driven magnetic assembly are defined by permanent magnets, which are configured to be magnetically coupled to one another so that a movement, in particular an axial movement along the above longitudinal axis, of the driving magnetic assembly determines a corresponding axial movement of the driven magnetic assembly, and therefore of the shutter, within the flow channel
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
There is described a filling device (5) configured to fill articles (2) with a pourable product and comprising: a tubular body (10) having a longitudinal axis (B) and internally defining a flow channel (11) for feeding the pourable product towards one empty article (2) at a time; a valve member (18) engaging the tubular body (10) and axially movable within the flow channel (11) to allow or prevent the flow of the pourable product towards the article (2); and magnetic actuator means (20) configured to drive the axial movement of the valve member (18) within the flow channel (11); the magnetic actuator means (20) comprise a driven magnetic assembly (24) carried by the valve member (18) and a driving magnetic assembly (25) arranged outside the flow channel (11) and configured to be magnetically coupled with the driven magnetic assembly (24) to control the movement of the valve member (18) within the flow channel (11); the driving magnetic assembly (25) has a pair of first magnetic elements (26) arranged at diametrically opposite lateral sides of the tubular body (10) and the driven magnetic assembly (24) has at least one second magnetic element (30) arranged within the valve member (18); wherein each one of the first magnetic elements (26) comprises two first magnetic dipoles (51) arranged in axial succession relative to one another, at the same radial distance from the axis (B), and in respective positions such that the relative magnetic poles of equal signs axially face one another; wherein the second magnetic element (30) comprises two second magnetic dipoles (52) arranged in axial succession relative to one another, at the same radial distance from the axis (B), and in respective positions such that the relative magnetic poles of equal signs axially face one another; wherein each first magnetic element (26) further comprises a third magnetic dipole (53) axially interposed between the two first magnetic dipoles (51) and including magnetic poles arranged in radial succession relative to the axis (B), the radially innermost magnetic pole of the third magnetic dipole (53) having sign equal to the signs of the magnetic poles of the first magnetic dipoles (51) facing one another axially; and wherein the first magnetic elements (26) radially face the second magnetic element (30) so that the magnetic poles of the first and third magnetic dipoles (51, 53) and the magnetic poles of the second magnetic dipoles (52) having opposite signs face one another radially.