Variable Volume Storage Chamber for Flexible Container Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed container filling assemblies face challenges in efficiently handling different container types and fluid compositions, leading to increased downtime, waste, and resource inefficiency due to the need for frequent changes in machinery and cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A container filling assembly with a temporary storage chamber of variable volume, allowing for independent adjustment of the rate of mixing and dispensing, enabling the same assembly to handle various container sizes and fluid compositions without requiring extensive changes or cleaning between cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the assembly is configured to maintain steady-state flow by scaling mixing and dispensing parts, then mixing and dispensing rates are balanced, but the assembly can only fill one type of container with one type of product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a variable volume temporary storage chamber that can be dynamically adjusted between different volume configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the assembly to adapt to different container sizes and product types while maintaining proper flow rates. The storage chamber volume is changed based on the specific filling requirements, enabling the system to handle diverse containers and products without being locked into a fixed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the volume parameter of the temporary storage chamber to adapt to different filling scenarios. By adjusting the storage chamber volume, the system can accommodate different container sizes and product viscosities while maintaining steady-state flow conditions. This parameter change allows the same assembly to handle various container types and fluid compositions without requiring physical modifications or extensive cleaning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the assembly configuration is changed to fill different container types and fluid compositions, then product diversity is achieved, but changeover time and resource waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The variable volume temporary storage chamber allows rapid reconfiguration of the assembly for different products and containers without physical changes. The volume can be adjusted quickly between filling cycles, minimizing changeover time while maintaining the ability to handle diverse container types and fluid compositions.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly with adjustable storage chamber volume serves multiple functions - it can handle different container sizes, different fluid viscosities, and different filling volumes using the same basic configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate assemblies for different products, reducing changeover time and resource waste.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the assembly configuration is changed to fill different container types and fluid compositions, then product diversity is achieved, but cleaning and priming resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The same assembly configuration with adjustable storage chamber volume can handle multiple container types and fluid compositions, reducing the frequency of changes needed. This universality minimizes the amount of cleaning and priming required, as the system can accommodate diverse products without requiring complete reconfiguration or extensive cleansing between different product types.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable volume storage chamber allows the assembly to be pre-configured for upcoming filling cycles by adjusting the volume before changes are needed. This preliminary configuration reduces the extent of cleaning and priming required, as the system can be prepared in advance with minimal resource consumption.
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 solution allows for efficient and flexible high-speed filling of containers with different volumes and compositions, reducing downtime, waste, and resource usage by separating the rate of mixing from the rate of dispensing and using pressure devices to adjust the temporary storage chamber volume, ensuring minimal contamination between filling cycles.
Implementation Method 1
using pressure devices to adjust the temporary storage chamber volume
Data Source
AI summary
A method of filling containers that can be used to fill containers during successive filling cycles with the same or different fluid compositions at high rates of speed, with little to no machinery changeover, and/or with little to no fluid waste.