Portable Filling Module for Container Forming Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container forming and filling machines are not easily adaptable to different manufacturing requirements, limiting their versatility in accommodating various packaging processes, such as transitioning from blow molding to liquid forming and filling.

Innovation Solution

A portable module for a container forming and filling system, comprising a control module, operator interface, pump assembly, connectors, sensors, fluid supply lines, housing, and transport member, which can be easily connected to and disconnected from various container forming and filling machines, allowing for flexible adaptation to different manufacturing processes without extensive modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing container forming and filling machines are used, then they can perform their intended function, but they cannot be readily modified to accommodate different manufacturing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different manufacturing requirementsVSAvoidmachine modification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: a fixed container forming machine and a portable filling module. This segmentation allows the forming machine to remain specialized while the filling module can be easily moved and reconfigured for different manufacturing requirements, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The portable filling module is designed with universal capabilities to work with different container types and filling requirements. It can be connected to various container forming machines through standardized interfaces, enabling one module to serve multiple functions across different manufacturing scenarios without requiring complex modifications to the base machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing container forming and filling machines are used, then they are designed for specific processes, but they lack flexibility for transitioning between processes like blow molding to liquid forming and filling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess transition flexibilityVSAvoidease of machine reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static, fixed-function machine to a dynamic configuration where the filling module can be moved, connected, and disconnected as needed. This dynamic approach enables easy transition between different manufacturing processes while maintaining ease of manufacture, as the portable module requires no permanent installation or complex reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The portable filling module acts as an intermediary between different manufacturing processes. It can be attached to a blow molding machine to enable liquid filling capabilities, serving as a mediator that allows process transition without requiring fundamental modifications to the base machine, thus maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11498256B2Portable module for container forming and filling system

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 LIQUIFORM GRP LLC

AI summary

A portable module for a container forming and filling system. The portable module includes a control module, an operator interface, a pump, connectors, and a transport member. The pump is configured to pump liquid for forming the container and filling the container into a container forming and filling machine. The connectors are for connecting the portable module to the container forming and filling machine. The transport member is for moving the portable module.