Rotor-Stator Fluid Distributor With Adjustable Treatment Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for distributing fluid into containers are complex and costly, requiring intricate control mechanisms to maintain a constant volume flow and adjust treatment time, and they lack a simple design.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a rotor, fluid limiting element, and stator with fluid inlet and outlet openings, where the fluid limiting element moves between positions to control the treatment time and maintain a constant volume flow without the need for individual valve control, using a rotor and stator to define a chamber with alternating fluid connection regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a complex control mechanism with individual valve control is used to maintain constant volume flow and adjust treatment time, then the precision of fluid distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of fluid distributionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control functions into a single fluid limiting element that simultaneously maintains constant volume flow and controls treatment time. The element integrates the functions of flow regulation and timing control that would otherwise require separate valves and control mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid limiting element serves multiple functions: it acts as a flow restrictor to maintain constant volume flow, a timing mechanism to control treatment time through its angular position, and a distribution controller. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for individual valve control systems while achieving precise fluid distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple control mechanisms are used to adjust treatment time and maintain constant flow, then the reliability of fluid distribution is improved, but the number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of fluid distributionVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of flow control and timing adjustment into a single fluid limiting element. By combining these functions, the system maintains reliable fluid distribution through integrated control while reducing the number of parts compared to systems using separate valves and control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If individual valve control is used for each fluid outlet opening, then the precision of treatment time control is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of treatment time controlVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid limiting element provides universal control for all fluid outlet openings simultaneously. By positioning the element at different angular orientations, the system controls treatment time for multiple outlets with a single component, achieving precise control while simplifying manufacturing compared to individual valve assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4455075B1Device for distributing fluid into containers and system and method for treating containers
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 KHS GMBH
  • EP4455075B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4455075B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4455075B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

Device (10) for distributing fluid into containers, comprising a rotor (12), a fluid limiting element (24) and a stator (14) with at least one fluid inlet opening (16), wherein the stator and rotor define a chamber (18) fluid-connected to the one fluid inlet opening, wherein the rotor has a plurality of fluid outlet openings (20) and is rotatable with them about an axis of rotation (22) and relative to the fluid limiting element, wherein the fluid outlet openings (20) alternately pass through a transport area (34) in which they are connected to containers and a dead-angle area (36) in which they are connected to an ambient area as a result of the rotation, wherein the fluid limiting element is arranged in the chamber and at least partially covers the fluid outlet openings in a covering area (26) and leaves them free in an outlet area (28) which extends at least partially in the circumferential direction about the axis of rotation,wherein the chamber is fluidly connected to the fluid outlet openings at least in the outlet area, wherein the fluid limiting element is movably arranged at least between a first and second position, wherein the outlet area is completely located in the transport area in the first position and partially located in the blind spot area in the second position.