Calibration Weight Verification for Continuous Raw Material Metering

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current metering systems in rubber mixing processes lack the ability to verify the measurement quality of raw materials continuously, leading to inconsistencies that affect the properties of the final rubber products, as the metered product is not accessible for sampling.

Innovation Solution

A measurement quality verification system that includes a weighing platform, metering device, calibration weight application and removal system, and motion system to perform real-time verification of metering accuracy, allowing for continuous metering without stopping the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If continuous metering is employed to maintain industrial productivity, then production efficiency is improved, but the ability to verify measurement quality is worsened because the metered product is not accessible for sampling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindustrial productivityVSAvoidmeasurement quality verification

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A weighing platform is introduced as an intermediary device between the metering device and the receiving machine. The platform captures the metered product temporarily, enabling weight-based verification of measurement quality without interrupting the continuous flow of materials through the metering system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The verification process is segmented into discrete steps: the metering device continues operating, while the weighing platform periodically captures samples for verification. This segmentation allows continuous production to proceed while intermittent verification occurs, resolving the conflict between productivity and measurement verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the metering device is stopped for verification, then measurement quality can be verified by sampling, but industrial productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement quality verificationVSAvoidindustrial productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The metering device maintains continuous operation throughout the verification process. The weighing platform performs verification activities concurrently with the metering operation, ensuring that the useful action of material metering continues uninterrupted while verification is performed on captured samples.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If calibration weights are applied frequently to verify weighing platform accuracy, then measurement reliability is improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweighing platform accuracyVSAvoidcalibration weight application system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration weight application system is designed to be automatically controlled by the control unit, which manages the timing and placement of calibration weights based on verification requirements. This self-service approach reduces manual intervention and simplifies operation while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Calibration verification is performed periodically at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. The control unit schedules calibration weight applications at appropriate times, balancing the need for reliability verification with the desire to minimize system complexity and operational disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Ensures consistent metering by verifying measurement quality automatically and concurrently with the filling process, maintaining industrial productivity and reducing product and production losses.

Implementation Method 1

a weighing platform (102) including a scale (104) for determining a weight loss of the metered raw materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

the motion system includes at least one lift cylinder for raising the metering device from a lowered position, in which the metering device is disposed on the weighing platform, to a raised position, in which the metering device is no longer disposed on the weighing platform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS12552071B2Quality verification system for measurement of raw materials in continuous metering processes using calibration weights

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

AI summary

A system for measurement quality verification may form part of an installation located at a site that manufactures rubber mixtures. The system may include a weighing platform having a scale for determining a weight loss of the metered raw materials, a metering device having a metering hopper that receives the raw materials required for performing one or more rubber mixing processes and a metering device that meters the raw materials into the metering hopper in real time, an application and removal system that allows for application and removal of one or more calibration weights relative to the weighing platform, and a motion system that facilitates reciprocating vertical movement of the metering device. An installation may incorporate the above system, and a continuous metering process may be performed by the installation.