Capsule Filling Device Escapement Feeding Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for packaging capsules with multiple small products are inefficient due to complex and costly designs, and lack effective detection for proper filling, leading to reduced productivity and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A filling device with a sliding feeding conduit and a blocking and feeding system using escapement-type elements and a photo detecting device to ensure accurate detection of the number of products, allowing for simple, fast, and reliable filling and rejection of incomplete capsules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex checking means (movable rods and sensors) are used to detect filling completeness, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex mechanical sensors and movable rods, removing these complicated checking means while maintaining detection capability through a simplified system that counts products during the escapement feeding process
Solution Approach 2:
The escapement-type blocking and feeding elements serve multiple functions: they block products, feed them sequentially, and simultaneously enable counting of the number of products. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection devices, reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If weight checking is used to verify filling completeness, then detection accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases due to slow weighting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the counting action during the feeding process itself, before the capsule moves to the next station. The number of products is determined in advance during the escapement feeding operation, eliminating the need for separate weight checking operations and maintaining high productivity
3Device complexity
If simple feeding systems are used for capsules with multiple small products, then device complexity is reduced, but detection capability for proper filling is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a counting mechanism that provides feedback on the number of products fed during the escapement process. This feedback system monitors filling completeness without adding complex mechanical detection devices, maintaining both simplicity and reliability
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 enables high productivity and cost-effective filling of capsules with accurate detection of complete or incomplete filling, eliminating the need for weight-based checking and reducing machine complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a photo detecting device (16) to detect whether or not the number of products (2) fed within the bottom (3) is equal to a predetermined number
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A filling device (1) for filling bottoms (3) of capsules with a group (8) of products (2) includes a feeding conduit (5) slidingly including a row (6) of products (2); a blocking and feeding system (7) for blocking the row (6) of products (2) and feeding each bottom (3) with the group (8) of products (2), the blocking and feeding system (7) including a first (10) and a second (11) blocking and feeding element arranged at a mutual distance that defines a bottom end portion (15) of the feeding conduit (5) intended to house the group (8); a detecting device (16) adapted to detect, at an upper zone (21) of the bottom end portion (15), whether a product (2) is present and to send a rejection signal to a rejection device to reject faulty capsules.