Ball Linkage Mechanism for Fruit Transport Weighing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices for fruits and vegetables have complex and cumbersome connecting mechanisms that hinder lateral tilting and weighing accuracy, often requiring multiple weighing points, leading to instability and reduced precision due to friction and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with a simplified connecting mechanism using balls that roll without slipping between bearing surfaces, allowing for precise lateral tilting and vertical movement, reducing friction and interference with weighing, and utilizing a minimal number of parts for stable and accurate guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex linkage mechanism (cantilevered slides, rotary guidance) is used to connect receptacle to support, then lateral tilting and vertical movement are enabled, but the mechanism becomes bulky, requires many parts, generates friction, and interferes with weighing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism is segmented into independent spherical elements (balls) that roll between bearing surfaces. Each ball operates independently within its own plane, dividing the complex motion requirements into simple, manageable segments that reduce overall mechanism complexity while maintaining full functionality for both lateral tilting and vertical movement
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical linkage system (slides, rotary joints, guides) is replaced with a rolling ball mechanism. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical connections, reduces friction by using rolling contact instead of sliding or rotary joints, and removes the need for bulky structural components while preserving all required degrees of freedom
2Ease of operation
If traditional linkage mechanisms are used, then receptacle movement is enabled, but weighing accuracy deteriorates due to friction reactions and interference from the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding and rotary mechanical connections are replaced with rolling ball elements that minimize friction. The balls roll freely between bearing surfaces without creating significant friction reactions, eliminating the source of weighing errors while still enabling smooth receptacle movement in all required directions
Solution Approach 2:
The weighing function is extracted and separated from the linkage mechanism. The balls and bearing surfaces are designed to support the receptacle's weight and enable movement without interfering with the weighing process. The mechanism provides mechanical support while the weighing system independently measures force, with no friction from the linkage contaminating the measurement
3Measurement precision
If four weighing points are used on the receptacle, then weighing capability is provided, but the weighing station becomes complex and unstable due to difficulty in ensuring coplanarity
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing function is extracted from the complex four-point weighing system and simplified. By using the rolling ball mechanism to provide stable, friction-free support, the system can accurately measure weight with reduced complexity. The balls naturally maintain proper geometric relationships, eliminating the need for complex adjustments to ensure coplanarity of multiple weighing points
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts and complex shapes are used in the linkage mechanism, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing cost increases and reliability decreases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into simple, identical spherical elements rather than complex, unique components. Each ball is a simple geometry with no moving parts of its own, making it highly reliable and easy to manufacture. The segmentation into identical elements allows for standardized production and simplifies maintenance, as any ball can be replaced with any other ball of the same specification
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
The solution provides reliable, precise, and accurate guidance and weighing with reduced friction, maintaining alignment during vertical displacements and tilting, while minimizing the number of parts and avoiding interference with the weighing process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ball interposed and trapped between at least one bearing surface of the receptacle and at least one bearing surface of the support so as to be able to roll without slipping vertically on at least one of these bearing surfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for transporting objects such as fruits or vegetables, comprising a receptacle suitable for receiving at least one object, a support (22) and a mechanism for linking the receptacle to the support in order to rigidly connect them in longitudinal translation, enable the receptacle to tilt to the side in order to unload to the side each object carried by the receptacle, and allow the receptacle to move in vertical translation in order to weigh the receptacle and the object(s) carried by same. The link mechanism comprises at least one ball (51,61) interposed and trapped between at least one vertical span of the receptacle and at least one vertical span of the support (22) in order to be able to roll without slipping on at least one of said vertical spans. The invention extends to a conveying and weighing device - in particular a sorting device - provided with such transporting devices.