Capsule Filling Machine Sealing Flange Vibration Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capsule filling machines face challenges in achieving precise and vibration-free weighing of capsules near the rotary plate due to cyclical vibrations and the need for hermetic containment to prevent active substance leakage during filling and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A capsule filling machine design featuring a vertically mounted rotary plate with a weighing device decoupled from the machine frame using a sealing flange and weighing frame feet, which minimizes mechanical disturbances and maintains a sealed environment for accurate weighing and containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the weighing device is positioned near the rotary plate for in-process control, then measurement precision is improved, but vibration from cyclical operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing flange acts as an intermediary element between the weighing device and the machine frame. It provides a sealed connection while mechanically decoupling the weighing device from vibration-generating components, allowing the weighing device to remain positioned near the rotary plate for continuous monitoring without being affected by cyclical vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighing device is segmented from the main machine structure through the sealing flange connection. This segmentation allows the weighing device to be positioned in the optimal location for measurement precision while being isolated from the harmful vibrations generated by the rotary plate's cyclical operation.
2Reliability
If the weighing device is mechanically coupled to the machine frame for stability, then reliability is improved, but vibration transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing flange serves as a mediator that provides both mechanical support and vibration isolation. It maintains the weighing device's reliable positioning while preventing the transmission of vibrations from the machine frame and rotary plate to the sensitive weighing components.
3Reliability
If hermetic sealing is implemented to prevent active substance leakage, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing flange performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides hermetic sealing to prevent active substance leakage, mechanically couples the weighing device to the machine frame, and isolates the weighing device from vibrations. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity compared to using separate components for each function.
4Productivity
If the weighing device is positioned in the intake region of the rotary plate, then productivity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing flange enables the weighing device to be positioned in the intake region of the rotary plate for continuous monitoring and maintained productivity, while simultaneously acting as a vibration barrier that protects the weighing precision from the cyclical vibrations generated during capsule filling operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule filling machine has a frame and a rotary plate. A processing station includes a weighing device for capsules. The frame has a table and feet for setting down on a floor. The weighing device has a weighing frame provided with dedicated weighing-frame feet. The table has a cutout with a peripheral edge, the weighing device being positioned in the cutout at a distance from its edge on all sides. The machine includes a flange having two ends that lie one on top of the other and a lining encircling its longitudinal axis. The flange in the region of one of its ends encloses the cutout in the machine table and is connected sealingly to the table in the region of the peripheral edge. The flange in the region of its other end encloses the weighing frame and is sealingly connected to the weighing frame.