Compact Shuttle Container Sanitization and Filling Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bottling machinery is unsuitable for small-scale production due to space requirements, high initial capital costs, and operational expenses, and lacks the ability to sanitize and reuse containers.

Innovation Solution

A compact apparatus with an enclosure housing a shuttle assembly that moves along a path for washing, filling, and sealing containers, incorporating a wash station, fill station, and seal station, allowing for sanitization, filling, and sealing within a single unit, suitable for small-scale production and transportability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional bottling machinery is used, then large-scale production capability is achieved, but space requirements and initial capital costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelarge-scale production capabilityVSAvoidspace requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the bottling process into discrete functional modules (washing station, filling station, capping station) that can be independently configured and scaled. Each station handles a specific operation, allowing the system to be customized for small-scale production while maintaining the capability for larger operations by simply adding more units to the conveyor line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor system dynamically adjusts its operation based on production needs. The shuttle assembly can move containers between stations at variable speeds, and the system can operate in different modes (single container processing, multiple containers in parallel) to match the required production volume without requiring a completely different machine configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If conventional bottling machinery is acquired, then large-scale production capability is achieved, but initial capital outlay and operating expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelarge-scale production capabilityVSAvoidinitial capital outlay and operating expenses

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated platform. The same conveyor system handles washing, filling, and capping operations, and the equipment can be configured for different container types and product viscosities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized machines for each operation, reducing both initial capital outlay and ongoing operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for parameter adjustments in terms of production speed, container size, and product type without requiring hardware changes. The conveyor speed, filling volume, and capping parameters can be modified through software control, enabling the same equipment to adapt to different production requirements and market conditions, thereby reducing the need for expensive equipment replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If a compact apparatus is designed, then space efficiency and transportability are improved, but the complexity of integrating multiple functions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoidintegration of multiple functions

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The washing, filling, and capping stations are merged into a single integrated apparatus that processes containers sequentially through a compact conveyor system. By combining these functions in one unit rather than requiring separate machines, the overall space requirement is minimized while the modular design keeps the integration complexity manageable through standardized connection interfaces and control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If container sanitization is implemented, then container reuse capability is achieved, but additional cleaning equipment and process complexity are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer reuse capabilityVSAvoidcleaning equipment and process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The washing station performs sanitization of containers before they enter the filling process. By completing the cleaning action in advance at the washing station, the system ensures containers are ready for filling without requiring additional cleaning steps later in the process, thereby enabling container reuse without significantly increasing overall process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7980046B2Apparatus for cleaning, filling, and capping a container

Publication Date: 2011.07.19 H2LOCAL

AI summary

An apparatus for filling a container includes an enclosure (11) having an opening for receiving a container (14). The apparatus may include a shuttle assembly (15), a wash station (20), a fill station (21), and a seal station (16) contained within the enclosure (11). The shuttle assembly (15) may include a frame structure (23) and a shuttle (22). The shuttle (22) may advance along a path of travel and facilitate the washing, filling, and sealing of the container (14). The apparatus may be employed in a method for consecutively washing, filling, and sealing at least one container in an enclosed housing. The method includes the steps of providing at least one container, washing the container, filling the container, and sealing the container. The method may be conducted along a path of travel.