Universal Filling Device with Movable Deflector for Aseptic Bottling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aseptic bottling lines face challenges in efficiently filling both flat and carbonated products without manual adaptation, leading to reduced productivity and potential contamination, as existing solutions require format changes and manual interventions to switch between product types.
Innovation Solution
A universal filling device with a valve featuring a conveyor tip for central filling of flat products and a deflector member, such as an annular protuberance or helix, that deflects the fluid flow onto the inner walls of the receptacle during carbonated product filling, allowing automated operation without manual conversions and maintaining sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual conversion operations are performed to switch between product types, then the filling device can adapt to different product formats, but productivity is reduced and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filling device incorporates a movable deflector member that can be dynamically positioned between different configurations (first configuration for flat products, second configuration for carbonated products) through automated actuation, eliminating the need for manual format changes and maintaining continuous production flow
Solution Approach 2:
The filling device is designed with a universal filling head that can handle both flat and carbonated products through the same dispensing nozzle, with the only variation being the position of the deflector member, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate filling mechanisms for different product types
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual conversion operations are performed to switch between product types, then the filling device can adapt to different product formats, but contamination risk increases due to handling glove operations
Solution Approach 1:
The filling device performs its own format conversion through automated actuation of the deflector member position based on the detected product type, eliminating the need for manual intervention with handling gloves and thereby maintaining the sterile environment without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor system acts as an intermediary between the control system and the deflector member positioning mechanism, automatically detecting the product type and triggering the appropriate deflector configuration without requiring human entry into the sterile zone
3Object-generated harmful factors
If deflector position is fixed for carbonated products, then foam formation is reduced, but format change adaptability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned in a first configuration (retracted) for flat products and a second configuration (extended) for carbonated products, enabling dynamic adaptation to different product formats while optimizing foam control for each type
Data Source
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AI summary
A filling device (1) for filling a receptacle (2), comprising: a dispensing nozzle (5) for dispensing the filling fluid; a first passage (3) for the filling fluid; a valve (4) formed by a main body (6) and a central portion (7) mobile with respect to the main body (6), the central portion (7) having a shaped tip (7a) so as to convey flat fluids towards the centre of the receptacle (2), and having a helix (8) to direct carbonated liquids onto the inner walls of the receptacle (2).