Movable Screen Filling Member for Beverage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling members in beverage filling systems lack the ability to easily switch between using and removing screens during operation, requiring manual intervention and partial dismantling, which limits their flexibility and efficiency in handling different filling products and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A filling member with a screen device that can be moved into and out of the filling product stream, allowing for variable operation with or without a screen, and incorporating a CIP cup for cleaning and sterilization, enabling flexible use without manual intervention or partial dismantling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screen is installed in the filling member to prevent foreign particles, then product purity is improved, but device complexity increases and requires manual intervention for screen removal and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is designed to be movable between a first position where it is held by the holding device (impenetrable) and a second position where it is released (penetrable). This dynamic positioning allows the screen to be moved into or out of the filling product stream without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between maintaining product purity and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device automatically engages with the screen and moves it into position without requiring external manual intervention. The screen is self-positioned by the holding device's movement, eliminating the need for operators to manually install or remove screens, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability
2Ease of operation
If the screen is made penetrable for easy removal, then ease of operation is improved, but product contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screen transitions between penetrable and impenetrable states based on its position. When moved to the second position by the holding device, it becomes penetrable for easy removal. When positioned in the filling stream, it is held impenetrable by the holding device, preventing contamination. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and contamination risk
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device acts as an intermediary between the screen and the filling stream. It controls the screen's position and state, ensuring the screen is only penetrable when actively being positioned or removed by the holding device, not when in operational position. This intermediary control eliminates contamination risk while maintaining ease of operation
3Manufacturing precision
If manual intervention is required for screen removal and replacement, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device automatically positions and secures the screen without manual intervention. The screen is self-positioned by the holding device's movement between first and second positions, maintaining precise positioning while eliminating the need for operators to manually install or remove screens, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic positioning system allows the screen to be quickly moved between operational and storage positions by the holding device. This rapid repositioning maintains precise screen positioning when needed while enabling quick transitions that improve productivity by eliminating manual intervention time
4Reliability
If the screen is always present in the filling stream, then product purity is improved, but adaptability decreases for different filling products
Solution Approach 1:
The screen's position is dynamically adjustable between being in the filling stream (first position) and being moved away (second position). This allows the system to adapt to different filling requirements: use the screen for clear products requiring filtration, and omit it for viscous products or products with additives where the screen would interfere, resolving the contradiction between product purity and adaptability
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
The filling member provides a flexible and efficient filling process by preventing contamination with clear products and handling viscous products without a screen, improving drip behavior and allowing for seamless cleaning and sterilization, enhancing overall operational variability and quality.
Implementation Method 1
the screen is located between the product outlet and the container so that the filling product passes through the screen and is filtered thereby when introduced into the container
Data Source
AI summary
A filling member for filling a container with a filling product, for example in a beverage filling system, includes a product outlet which is designed to dispense the filling product into a container located thereunder; and an equipment portion which as a first equipment means includes a screen device with a screen and which is designed to transfer the screen as required into a screen state, in which the screen is located between the product outlet and the container so that the filling product is filtered by the screen when introduced into the container, and out of the screen state.