Container Filling Device with Movable Robot for Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container filling and sealing devices face challenges in minimizing contamination and optimizing output, as they often require prolonged exposure of filled containers before sealing, and have limitations in adapting to different processing steps and variable container positions.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a three-axis robot for the filling device and a clocked transport system with variable distance between filling and closing devices, allowing simultaneous filling and sealing during transport, and enabling in-process control by adjusting the distance between filling and closing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance between filling device and closing device is reduced to enable immediate sealing, then contamination risk is reduced and output is increased, but the device cannot accommodate in-process control steps
Solution Approach 1:
The filling device is made movable along the transport direction, allowing dynamic adjustment of its position relative to the closing device. This enables the system to adapt between different operating modes: immediate sealing when the filling device is positioned close to the closing device, or in-process control when the filling device is positioned farther away, allowing containers to be removed for inspection between filling and closing operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between filling device and closing device is increased to allow container removal for in-process control, then adaptability is improved, but dwell time increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable filling device allows the system to dynamically adjust the distance between filling and closing operations. When in-process control is needed, the filling device moves to a position that allows container removal. When immediate sealing is required to minimize contamination risk, the filling device moves closer to the closing device, reducing the exposed dwell time of filled containers.
3Productivity
If a three-axis robot is used as movement means for the filling device, then output is increased due to fast working speeds, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning systems with a three-axis robot for moving the filling device. This substitution provides faster and more precise positioning capabilities, significantly increasing output. The robot's controlled movement along three axes enables rapid adjustment of the filling device position relative to the closing device and transport line, achieving high-speed operation despite the increased complexity of the robotic system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for filling and locking containers comprising a filling device (10) for filling at least one container (18), a locking device (12) for locking at least one container (18) and a transport device (14) for conveying at least one fillable container (18) to the filling and locking devices (10, 12), wherein displacement means (28, 30) are provided for modifying a distance between the filling (10) and locking (12) devices in a transport direction.