Packaging Machine Filling Stations for Product Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaging machines for pourable products lack flexibility to accommodate different types of products, requiring separate filling processes and machinery configurations for each product type, which limits efficiency and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine with multiple filling stations and a control unit that automatically selects the appropriate filling process based on the product type, allowing quick switching between non-contact, contact, and hot filling processes, and featuring a conveyor system with lifting and capping stations to optimize container positioning and filling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the filling devices are configured all for the same type of filling process, then the machine structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the machine lacks flexibility to accommodate different product types
Solution Approach 1:
The filling machine is divided into multiple independent filling stations (first filling station for non-contact filling, second filling station for contact filling, third filling station for hot filling). Each station is configured for a specific filling process type, allowing the machine to handle different product types by selecting the appropriate station without increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed with multiple filling stations that can perform different filling processes (non-contact, contact, hot filling) within a single machine structure. The control unit enables the machine to universally handle various product types by selecting the appropriate filling station based on product requirements
2Reliability
If separate filling processes are used for each product type, then each product can be filled appropriately, but the machine requires complex adaptation systems and multiple configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The machine incorporates a lifting device that can dynamically adjust the position of containers between different filling stations. The lifting device moves containers between a first position (for non-contact filling) and a second position (for contact filling), allowing flexible adaptation to different filling processes without complex mechanical reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device acts as an intermediary mechanism between different filling stations, enabling smooth transition of containers between filling positions. This mediator component simplifies the adaptation process by providing a unified mechanism for handling different filling types rather than requiring separate complex adaptation systems for each product type
3Adaptability or versatility
If the machine is designed for high flexibility with multiple filling processes, then it can handle various product types, but the mechanical complexity and compactness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filling stations with different filling processes are merged into a single integrated machine structure. The stations are arranged in a compact configuration around a central conveyor system, allowing the machine to handle various product types while maintaining ease of manufacture through unified structural design rather than separate standalone systems
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a packaging method for packaging a pourable product in at least one container (B), by means of which it is obtained an improvement in the flexibility of the packaging machine (1) configured for carrying out the method with regards to the type of the product which is to be packaged, and to a machine (1) configured for carrying out the method.