Automated Batch Filler Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional batch filling apparatuses face challenges with non-uniform flow characteristics of powdered materials, leading to material blockages, limited filling capacity, and lack of automation for filling multiple containers without cross-contamination.

Innovation Solution

An automated batch filling apparatus with a base featuring multiple metering holes and a sliding trough, vibration devices, and a gate mechanism that allows for precise control of material flow and agitation, enabling efficient filling of multiple containers with different materials while preventing cross-contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual procedures are used to operate the filling apparatus, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced and manual errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operation flexibilityVSAvoidfilling speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration device automatically agitates the powdered material to promote uniform flow and prevent blockages without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the filling process through automated vibration control, eliminating the need for operators to manually agitate or clear blockages while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical agitation by operators is replaced with an automated vibration device that uses controlled mechanical vibrations to achieve the same material flow promotion and blockage prevention effects, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining operational reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional batch fillers are used, then a fixed amount of material can be filled, but adaptability to different container sizes or shapes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer size flexibilityVSAvoidfilling amount consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The filling system employs dynamic vibration control that can be adjusted based on container characteristics. The vibration parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration) are optimized according to the specific container size and shape being filled, allowing the system to adapt to various containers while maintaining precise and consistent filling amounts through controlled material flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If material is poured into the cavity without agitation, then the filling process is simple, but blockages occur between moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling process simplicityVSAvoidmaterial flow continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A vibration device is integrated into the filling apparatus that generates controlled mechanical vibrations during the filling process. These vibrations promote uniform material flow through the metering holes and prevent blockages between moving parts, ensuring continuous and reliable operation without significantly complicating the overall filling process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

4Manufacturing precision

If automated vibration is applied, then material flow uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling uniformityVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration device is designed as a modular component that can be independently controlled and adjusted. This segmentation allows the vibration function to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire filling apparatus, maintaining relatively simple device structure while achieving improved filling uniformity through targeted vibration application at critical locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 apparatus ensures uniform filling of containers with powdered materials, prevents blockages, and allows for the filling of any number of containers with precise control, promoting efficient and automated operation.

Implementation Method 1

The apparatus includes one or more vibration devices. The one or more vibration devices are configured to agitate the filling apparatus.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11142353B2Automated batch filling apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 MULTIPLY LABS INC

AI summary

An automated batch filling apparatus comprising a first base comprising a first plurality of metering holes, a trough slidably disposed on an upper surface of the first base, one or more guides configured to constrain a motion of the trough, a gate disposed on a bottom surface of the first base, wherein the gate comprises a second plurality of metering holes, a second base disposed below the gate, wherein the second base comprise a third plurality of metering hole, and one or more vibration devices, wherein the one or more vibration devices are configured to agitate the filling apparatus.