Alignment Device Integrating Weight Sorting for Stick Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stick packaging machines require separate weight sorting devices, increasing costs and installation height, and often result in coexistence of normal and defective products, which complicates automated packing and reduces productivity and work efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An alignment device with integrated weight sorting functionality that aligns stick packaging products, transfers them to a packaging device, and automatically sorts them into normal and defective products without the need for a separate weight sorting device, using a body section with entry grooves, measurement sensors, transfer sections, push bars, and control systems to individually sort defective products and collect normal products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate weight sorting device is used, then weight sorting function is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the weight sorting function with the alignment device by integrating a measurement sensor into the alignment device structure. The alignment device now performs both alignment and weight measurement functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for a separate weight sorting device and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device is transformed into a multi-functional device that not only aligns stick packaging products but also measures their weight. This universal device performs multiple functions (alignment + weight measurement) that previously required separate dedicated devices.
2Reliability
If a separate weight sorting device is installed, then weight sorting is enabled, but installation height and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the weight measurement function into the existing alignment device structure, eliminating the need for additional vertical space and height accommodation that would be required for a separate weight sorting device installation.
3Measurement precision
If normal and defective products are sorted separately, then sorting precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to secondary separating operations
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement sensor performs weight measurement on all products during the initial alignment process, before they are transferred to the packaging device. This preliminary weight check enables immediate identification and separate handling of defective products, preventing them from mixing with normal products and eliminating the need for secondary separating operations during packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the measurement sensor to control the transfer mechanism, which can selectively transfer only normal-weight products to the packaging device while diverting defective products. This closed-loop control ensures high sorting precision while maintaining continuous flow and productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An alignment device is proposed. The device aligns stick packaging products packed in a stick packaging machine, transfers the stick packaging products to a packaging device, and simultaneously checks a weight, thus automatically sorting the stick packaging products into normal and defective products. A separate weight sorting device is not required, so that a stick packaging machine may be installed in a low height, and cost for purchasing and maintaining the device may be reduced. Furthermore, respective rows are individually controlled, thus facilitating independent weight checking and defective-product sorting. It is possible to individually sort defective products and then entirely sort remaining normal products, thus preventing the normal and defective products from coexisting, and it is possible to realize an automated packing operation for normal products and the automation of a succeeding line, and to count and pack an exact quantity of products.