Flexible Bag Spout Filling Nozzle Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for filling flexible bags with spouts equipped with no-spill systems often compromise filling times and production volumes due to the potential negative impact of the no-spill system on the filling process.

Innovation Solution

A filling method that positions the filling nozzle outside the spout, allowing the product to flow into the main duct and deform the valve membrane's flaps inwardly to enter the inner chamber, eliminating the need for complex injection cannulas and protecting the valve's integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the filling nozzle is inserted inside the spout to fill the bag, then the filling process can be completed, but the valve membrane may be damaged and the no-spill system may fail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveno-spill system integrityVSAvoidfilling speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The filling nozzle is extracted from the spout interior and positioned outside the spout. The product flows through the spout rather than the nozzle penetrating the valve membrane, thus protecting the no-spill system while maintaining filling capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The spout itself acts as an intermediary medium. Instead of the nozzle directly contacting the valve membrane, the product flows through the spout's main duct as an intermediate path, allowing filling without damaging the no-spill system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If complex injection cannulas are used to fill the bag through the spout, then filling can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and valve integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling process simplicityVSAvoidnozzle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex injection cannula system is removed entirely. The filling nozzle is extracted and repositioned outside the spout, eliminating the need for complex internal injection mechanisms while simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of inserting the nozzle inside the spout (conventional approach), the nozzle is positioned outside and allows product to flow through the spout (inverted approach). This reversal simplifies the device while maintaining functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Quantity of substance

If the filling time is extended to ensure proper filling, then filling completeness is improved, but production volume decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling completenessVSAvoidproduction volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The filling process maintains continuous product flow through the spout without interruptions or pauses. The valve membrane remains intact throughout filling, allowing uninterrupted operation and maximizing production volume while ensuring complete filling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 method enhances reliability and efficiency by preventing accidental leakage while maintaining the integrity of the no-spill system, ensuring higher production volumes without risking damage to the valve.

Implementation Method 1

allowing the product to flow into the main duct and deform the valve membrane's flaps inwardly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure deformation: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3476750B1Method for filling a thin-body flexible bag provided with a spout
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 GUALA PACK SPA
  • EP3476750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3476750B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3476750B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for filling a thin-body flexible package (1) provided with a spout (6). The spout (6) is provided with a normally closed membrane valve (52). The filling system provides a filling nozzle (104) which dispenses the product intended to fill the bag upstream of the valve (52), outside the spout (6) or inside it.