Motorized Cover Apparatus for Beverage Bottle Cleaning Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual intervention in pivoting the cover device for cleaning and disinfecting in beverage bottling plants introduces germs, compromising the sterility and efficiency of the cleaning process, especially in cold-aseptic bottling where thorough cleaning is required.

Innovation Solution

A motorized pivoting mechanism for the cover apparatus, connected to a lever that can pivot around an axis of rotation and be vertically adjustable, eliminates manual handling and ensures sterility by maintaining a closed circuit for the disinfecting agent, reducing human intervention and germ contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual intervention is used to pivot the cover device, then the device can be operated and positioned, but germs are introduced compromising sterility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operation of cover deviceVSAvoidgerm contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated motorized pivoting mechanism. A motor is connected to the cover device through a transmission system (gears, belts, or direct drive) that automatically positions the cover apparatus, eliminating the need for manual intervention and thereby preventing germ contamination while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover device is equipped with self-actuating mechanisms including sensors that detect bottle presence and automatically trigger the pivoting action. The system serves itself by autonomously positioning the cover apparatus without external manual input, ensuring sterility while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the cover device is manually pivoted for cleaning, then the cleaning process can be initiated, but human intervention reduces efficiency and introduces contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning process efficiencyVSAvoidgerm introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The manual pivoting mechanism is replaced with an automated motorized system that can be controlled remotely or through programmable logic controllers. This substitution eliminates human contact with the cleaning circuit, preventing germ introduction while improving productivity through faster, more consistent operation of the cover device during cleaning cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

An automated control system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the cover device. The control system receives commands and automatically actuates the pivoting mechanism, serving as a mediator that eliminates direct human intervention in the cleaning process while maintaining operational control and improving overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If manual handling of the cover apparatus is used, then the device can be positioned, but sterility is compromised due to human contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover device positioningVSAvoidsterility maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a motorized positioning system with automated control that replaces all manual handling of the cover apparatus. The motorized mechanism, controlled through automated sensors and programmable logic, positions the cover device with the same ease as manual operation would provide, while simultaneously maintaining sterility by eliminating human contact with the cleaning circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover device incorporates self-positioning capabilities through automated sensors that detect when positioning is required and autonomously actuate the motorized pivoting mechanism. The system serves itself by automatically maintaining proper cover device position without manual intervention, ensuring both ease of operation and reliable sterility maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9511397B2Rotary or linear beverage bottle cleaning machine configured to clean beverage bottles disposed upside-down which machine includes apparatus for cleaning rotary or linear beverage bottle cleaning machine in a filling plant and rotary or linear container cleaning machine configured to clean containers with apparatus for cleaning the container cleaning machine

Publication Date: 2016.12.06 KHS GMBH

AI summary

A rotary or linear beverage bottle cleaning machine configured to clean beverage bottles disposed upside-down which machine includes apparatus for cleaning rotary or linear beverage bottle cleaning machine in a filling plant and rotary or linear container cleaning machine configured to clean containers with apparatus for cleaning the container cleaning machine. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.