Capsule Filling Machine Test Container Weighing for Small-Dose Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capsule filling machines face challenges in accurately controlling small doses and multiple component fillings, leading to inefficient production processes due to the need for frequent recalibration and downtime when using indirect mass verification systems.

Innovation Solution

A capsule filling machine with a rotary table and separate test containers that allow for precise fill quantity control by using a load cell to weigh test containers during regular operation, minimizing production interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If indirect mass verification systems (AMV) are used to control small fill quantities, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to frequent sampling interruptions and recalibration downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefill quantity control precisionVSAvoidproduction output

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calibration by filling test containers with multiple individual fill quantities during regular operation, then weighing them collectively to determine average fill quantity. This preliminary action establishes calibration data without interrupting production, enabling continuous operation while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of weighing individual capsules during production, the system uses test containers as copies that receive multiple individual fills. The collective weight of these copies provides statistical data about individual fill quantities, enabling indirect verification without direct measurement of each capsule during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If multiple capsules are filled and weighed to calibrate measuring systems, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to reduced effective production time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaverage fill quantity accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple individual fill operations into a single test container, then weighs them collectively. This combining approach maintains measurement precision for small individual quantities while reducing the number of separate weighing operations, thereby minimizing calibration time and maintaining production flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration process using test containers is integrated into regular production operation, allowing calibration activities to continue without interrupting the filling of actual capsules. This continuity eliminates downtime associated with traditional calibration methods while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If load cells are precisely adapted to capsule format for weighing, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when product format changes require load cell replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweighing accuracyVSAvoidproduct format flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The test containers are designed with standardized dimensions that allow them to be used across different product formats and filling stations. This universal design enables the same test container to receive fills from multiple stations and be weighed on standard equipment, maintaining adaptability while ensuring precise measurement through controlled geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables accurate determination of small masses with reduced downtime by allowing simultaneous weighing of test containers during regular operation, enhancing production efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a container weighing station with a load cell for weighing the test container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4470521B1Capsule filling machine and method for operating a capsule filling machine

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 HARRO HOFLIGER VERPACKUNGSMASCHEN

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AI summary

The invention relates to a capsule filling machine (20) and a method for operating such a capsule filling machine. The capsule filling machine (20) comprises a rotary table (21) with capsule segments (22), at least one insertion station (31, 32), and at least one filling station (34, 35, 36). The capsule filling machine (20) further comprises at least one test container (1) and a container weighing station (33) with a load cell (2) for weighing the test container (1). In a regular operating mode, capsule bases (10) are inserted into capsule receptacles (23) of a segment base (28) in the insertion station (31, 32) and filled with a product in a filling station (34, 35, 36). In a test mode, a test container (1) is placed on a capsule holder (23), after which the test container (1) is moved in the segment lower part (28) to the at least one filling station (34, 35, 36) and filled there with the product.The filled test container (1) is then moved to the container weighing station (33) and weighed there using the load cell.