Modular Nozzle Shaft Assembly for Seal Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current forming and filling heads for polymeric containers have monolithic nozzle shafts with seals located at the midpoint, making it difficult or impossible to replace a worn or damaged seal, which hinders maintenance and access.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle shaft assembly with removably engaged portions allows for easy access and replacement of the annular seal, featuring flow ports for directing liquid and a modular design that separates for servicing, enabling easier maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a monolithic nozzle shaft with a seal at the midpoint is used, then the structural integrity and simplicity are improved, but the ease of repair and seal accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle shaft is divided into multiple segments (first portion and second portion) that can be separated from each other. The seal is positioned in one segment, allowing that segment to be removed independently for seal replacement without affecting the entire nozzle shaft structure. This segmentation enables easy maintenance while preserving structural integrity during operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If a monolithic nozzle shaft with a seal at the midpoint is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the seal accessibility for servicing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle shaft is divided into multiple segments (first portion and second portion) that can be separated from each other. The seal is positioned in one segment, allowing that segment to be removed independently for seal replacement without affecting the entire nozzle shaft structure. This segmentation enables easy maintenance while preserving structural integrity during operation.
3Ease of repair
If the nozzle shaft is made modular with removably engaged portions, then the ease of repair and seal accessibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle shaft is divided into multiple segments (first portion and second portion) that can be separated from each other. The seal is positioned in one segment, allowing that segment to be removed independently for seal replacement without affecting the entire nozzle shaft structure. This segmentation enables easy maintenance while preserving structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular portions of the nozzle shaft are designed to fit together in a nested or telescoping manner, with one portion inserting into or engaging with another. This nesting design allows for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining a compact overall structure, reducing the complexity increase that would normally result from modularization.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure includes a forming and filling head for simultaneously forming and filling a polymeric container with liquid. The forming and filling head includes a nozzle shaft assembly having a first portion removably engaged with a second portion. The nozzle shaft assembly defines a through-bore extending through each one of the first portion and the second portion. An annular seal is within the through-bore and is seated at one of the first portion and the second portion to permit access to the annular seal when the first portion and the second portion are disengaged. Flow ports are defined by a wall of the nozzle shaft assembly. The flow ports extend from an exterior of the nozzle shaft assembly to the through-bore to direct the liquid for forming and filling the polymeric container into the through-bore.