Track System for Simultaneous Filling of Mixed Container Shapes

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Solution Overview

Problem

High speed container filling systems are inflexible, requiring significant time and cost to change configurations for different container types and fluids, and are unable to efficiently handle various container arrangements and packaging without manual handling, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

A track system with propellable vehicles and unit operation stations that allows for the simultaneous filling and treatment of multiple container types with different fluids, enabling on-demand production and automated routing to optimize container handling and packaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a high speed container filling system is configured to fill one type of container with one type of fluid, then filling speed and efficiency are improved, but adaptability to different container types and fluids deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling speedVSAvoidadaptability to different container types and fluids

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filling system is designed with universal components that can handle multiple container types and fluid viscosities. The system uses adjustable filling heads, variable speed conveyors, and programmable controllers that adapt to different product requirements, allowing a single system to serve multiple functions without requiring complete reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates dynamically adjustable parameters including variable filling speeds, adjustable container spacing, and flexible positioning mechanisms. These dynamic elements allow the system to optimize performance for each specific container-fluid combination while maintaining high productivity across different product types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system configuration is changed to accommodate different container types and fluids, then adaptability is improved, but downtime and operational time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different container typesVSAvoiddowntime for reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores pre-configured settings for different container types and product specifications in memory. Before a changeover, the system can pre-load the next configuration parameters, and operators can prepare adjustment components in advance. This preliminary preparation minimizes actual downtime during product transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The filling system is divided into modular, independently adjustable segments. Each module can be quickly reconfigured or replaced without affecting other parts of the system. This segmentation allows for rapid changeovers by isolating adjustments to specific modules rather than requiring system-wide reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple high speed container systems are employed to provide diverse product lines, then product variety is improved, but cost and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct line diversityVSAvoidnumber of separate filling systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system consolidates multiple filling functions into a single multi-functional platform. By incorporating adjustable filling mechanisms, variable container handling capabilities, and flexible packaging options, one system can replace several dedicated systems, reducing overall complexity and space requirements while maintaining diverse product line capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual handling is used for different container arrangements and packaging, then packaging flexibility is improved, but accuracy and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer arrangement flexibilityVSAvoidpackaging accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automated container positioning and arrangement mechanisms that self-adjust based on detected container types and desired packaging configurations. Sensors and feedback systems enable the equipment to automatically correct positioning errors and optimize arrangements without manual intervention, maintaining both flexibility and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10640354B2System and method for simultaneously filling containers of different shapes and/or sizes

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A system and method for simultaneously filling containers of different shapes and/or sizes are disclosed. A plurality of vehicles are routable along a track system to facilitate simultaneous delivery of first containers and second containers to different unit operation stations. The first and second containers may differ from one another in outer shape and/or interior volume.