Rotating Dosing Device with Switchable Lid Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for dosing viscous and pasty filling products into containers face challenges in effective cleaning and sterilization due to their design, which limits them to atmospheric pressure conditions, resulting in insufficient sterilization temperatures and increased chemical usage, leading to higher costs, health risks, and longer processing times.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotatable product storage container and a switchable sealing mechanism that allows for pressure-tight sealing of the stationary lid, enabling cleaning and sterilization under pressure using superheated steam, achieving temperatures up to 105°C, thus improving hygiene and reducing chemical usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the product storage container is kept open at the top for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but sterilization temperature is limited to below 100°C and chemical sterilization is required
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed to switch between two states: open position during filling operations and sealed position during sterilization. The switchable sealing device allows the system to dynamically adapt its configuration based on the operational phase, enabling both easy operation during filling and high-temperature sterilization when sealed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the sealing parameter from open to closed based on operational requirements. During filling, the lid remains open; during sterilization, the switchable sealing device activates to create a pressure-tight seal, enabling the temperature parameter to rise above 100°C for effective sterilization.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If sterilization is performed at atmospheric pressure with temperatures below 100°C, then energy consumption is reduced, but sterilization reliability is insufficient for hygienic applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between atmospheric pressure operation during filling and pressurized sterilization mode. The switchable sealing device enables pressure buildup during sterilization, allowing temperatures to exceed 100°C and achieve reliable sterilization while maintaining energy efficiency during non-sterilization phases.
3Reliability
If chemical sterilization processes are used to achieve adequate hygiene, then sterilization reliability is improved, but health risks and environmental risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical parameters of sterilization by sealing the container and applying pressure to enable steam sterilization at temperatures above 100°C. This physical sterilization method replaces chemical sterilization processes, achieving reliable hygiene without the health and environmental risks associated with chemical agents.
4Ease of operation
If the lid is designed to be lift-off type for simple operation, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing capability for pressure sterilization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lid incorporates a switchable sealing device that enables it to transition between an open configuration for easy loading/unloading and a sealed configuration for pressure sterilization. This dynamic capability allows the lid to provide both ease of operation and pressure sealing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid serves multiple functions: it provides easy access during filling operations, creates a pressure-tight seal during sterilization, and can be equipped with a lifting mechanism for automated operation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and sealing capability.
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 solution enables faster and more reliable sterilization at higher temperatures, reducing the need for chemicals and energy, while enhancing hygiene conditions, allowing for safer and more efficient processing of microbiologically sensitive products.
Implementation Method 1
a switchable sealing device (6) is provided for pressure-tight sealing of the stationary cover (5) with the product storage container (2)
Implementation Method 2
sterilization is carried out by means of superheated steam under pressure, with elevated temperatures then being made possible for sterilization. For example, at least the product-carrying areas of the device can be steamed at an overpressure of 0.5 bar relative to the atmosphere, so that temperatures of the superheated steam in the product-carrying areas in the range of 103°C to 105°C can be reached
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for metering a filling product into a container (100) to be filled, comprising a rotatable product storage container (2) and at least one piston metering device (3) connected thereto for metering the filling product from the product storage container (2) into the container (100) to be filled, wherein the product storage container (2) is open at the top and a stationary lid (5) is provided for covering the upwardly open product storage container (2), wherein a switchable sealing device (6) is provided for pressure-tight sealing of the stationary lid (5) with the product storage container (2).