Zero Vent Pouch Filler Using Vacuum Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stand-up pouch filling systems rely on air blasts to open the pouch, which can lead to contamination and limit fill speed due to air venting during filling.
Innovation Solution
A filling system that uses a pouch fill injector with a movable spout and a seal jaw assembly to fill stand-up pouches without requiring air blasts or vacuum, ensuring minimal venting and reduced contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air blasts are used to open the pouch, then the pouch opens effectively, but contamination risk increases and fill speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the air blast mechanism from the pouch filling system. Instead of using compressed air to open and fill the pouch, the system uses a vacuum chamber to evacuate air from the pouch, allowing the pouch to open and fill without external air blasts that cause contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a controlled vacuum environment that acts as an inert atmosphere during pouch filling. By removing air from the surrounding environment and using vacuum to evacuate the pouch, the system eliminates the harmful oxygen-rich atmosphere that promotes contamination during the filling process.
2Ease of operation
If air blasts are used to open the pouch, then the pouch opens effectively, but fill speed is limited due to air venting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous filling operation by using a vacuum system that maintains negative pressure throughout the pouch filling process. The vacuum chamber continuously evacuates air from the pouch as liquid is filled, preventing air venting and allowing uninterrupted high-speed filling without the need for intermittent air blasts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical air blast system with a vacuum-based system. Instead of using compressed air pressure to open and fill the pouch, the system uses vacuum pressure differential to achieve the same opening effect while maintaining continuous filling capability and higher speeds.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vacuum is used to evacuate the pouch, then contamination is reduced, but additional equipment complexity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the vacuum chamber to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the opening mechanism for the pouch and the filling environment controller. The same vacuum system that evacuates the pouch also maintains the contamination-free filling environment, eliminating the need for separate air blast equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pouch opening function and the filling environment control into a single vacuum chamber system. By combining these two functions that were previously performed by separate systems (air blast for opening, separate filling for filling), the overall equipment complexity is reduced while maintaining contamination control.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to a system for filling a stand-up pouch. The system includes a pouch fill injector having a pouch fill spout, a seal jaw assembly having a first jaw and second jaw with receiving areas to interface with the pouch fill tube, and a pouch opening device to open an end of a pouch. Unlike prior art systems, the system of example embodiments does not require a vacuum assist to fill a stand-up pouch.