Rinsing Cap for Beverage Filling Element Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling device configurations for beverage bottling plants are complex due to the need for additional channels for cleaning and sterilization media, which complicates the filling element design and flow behavior at the filling product outlet.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rinsing cap that integrates a rinsing channel for conducting cleaning and sterilization media directly into the filling product outlet, eliminating the need for additional media channels and allowing for a more compact and symmetrical filling product outlet design, with the rinsing cap being pivotable or displaceable between parking and sealing positions to facilitate both filling and cleaning/sterilization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional channels for cleaning and sterilization media are integrated into the filling element, then cleaning and sterilization functionality is improved, but the device complexity and construction of the filling element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rinsing cap serves as an intermediary component that provides cleaning and sterilization functionality without modifying the filling element structure. The cap includes a rinsing channel that conducts cleaning and sterilization media into the filling product outlet, acting as a mediator between the cleaning system and the filling element.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning and sterilization function is segmented from the filling element and placed in a separate rinsing cap component. This allows the filling element to maintain its simple construction while the rinsing cap provides the additional functionality through its integrated rinsing channel.
2Reliability
If additional media channels are added to the filling product outlet area, then cleaning capability is improved, but the flow behavior of the filling product deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rinsing cap acts as an intermediary that introduces cleaning and sterilization media into the filling product outlet area without requiring additional channels in the filling element itself. The rinsing channel in the cap provides a separate pathway for cleaning media that does not interfere with the filling product flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding channels to the filling element for cleaning media, the solution inverts the approach by placing the rinsing channel in the rinsing cap that opens into the filling product outlet. This allows cleaning media to be introduced from the opposite direction, avoiding interference with filling product flow behavior.
3Ease of operation
If the rinsing cap is made movable between parking and sealing positions, then ease of operation for filling and cleaning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rinsing cap is designed as a movable component that can be positioned in different states (parking position during filling, sealing position during cleaning). This dynamic positioning allows the same component to serve multiple functions without requiring separate fixed structures for each operation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The rinsing cap serves multiple functions depending on its position: during filling operation it is in the parking position allowing normal filling, and during cleaning operation it is in the sealing position to enable cleaning and sterilization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each operation mode.
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
This solution simplifies the filling element construction, improves flow behavior, and enables effective cleaning and sterilization of the filling element surfaces by allowing media to flow counter to the filling product flow direction, enhancing the device's operational efficiency and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
the rinsing cap has a rinsing channel for conducting a cleaning medium and/or a sterilization medium into the filling product outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for filling a container (100) with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling plant, comprising a filling element (10) with a filling product outlet (18) for filling the container (100) with the filling product, a container support (2) for raising and lowering the container (100) under the filling product outlet (18), and a rinsing cap (30) arranged on the container support (2) for closing the filling product outlet (18) for cleaning and/or sterilizing the product-contacting surfaces in the filling element (10), wherein the rinsing cap (30) has a rinsing channel (34) for directing a cleaning medium and/or a sterilization medium into the filling product outlet (18).