Carousel Weighing System for Filler Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container filling devices are inefficient due to unnecessary size and underutilization of dosing devices and weighing elements, leading to high costs and imprecise filling quantity determination.
Innovation Solution
A device with a carousel featuring measuring stations for weighing containers at both the inlet and outlet, allowing for compact design, efficient use of dosing devices, and precise filling quantity calculation by determining empty and final weights simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If container stations function as both filling and measuring stations with weighing elements, then empty and final weights can be determined, but the filler becomes larger than necessary and weighing elements remain unused during filling
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a dedicated filler for filling operations and a separate carousel with weighing stations for measurement operations. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function without the constraints of multi-functionality, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel serves multiple purposes: it holds containers during transfer, provides weighing stations for both empty and final weight measurements, and coordinates timing for precise filling quantity determination. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate measuring stations within the filler, reducing filler size while maintaining measurement capabilities.
2Productivity
If dosing devices and weighing elements are integrated in container stations, then filling and measuring can occur simultaneously, but these devices remain unused during weighing and filling processes respectively, leading to high device costs
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel continuously rotates, bringing different weighing stations into position for measurement at any given time. This continuous operation ensures that weighing elements are constantly utilized, eliminating idle time and reducing the total number of weighing elements needed compared to stationary measuring stations that would require multiple units to maintain continuous measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, dedicated measuring stations to a dynamic carousel that rotates to bring weighing stations into active position. This dynamic approach allows the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple measurement functions over time, reducing the total number of dosing devices and weighing elements required while maintaining continuous operational capability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measuring stations are used to determine empty and final weights, then filling quantity can be calculated, but the number of weighing elements and measuring stations increases, leading to high device costs
Solution Approach 1:
The empty weight of containers is determined in advance at the first weighing station before the filling process begins. This preliminary measurement allows the system to prepare for accurate filling quantity calculation without requiring additional measuring stations during the filling process, reducing the total number of measuring stations needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel acts as an intermediary transport mechanism that moves containers between the filler and weighing stations. By providing a dedicated transfer system with integrated weighing capability, the carousel eliminates the need for multiple separate measuring stations within the filler, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to determine both empty and final weights for accurate filling quantity calculation.
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 a more compact and cost-effective filling device with improved precision in determining filling quantities, reducing the number of measuring stations and dosing devices needed, while maintaining continuous container flow and synchronization with the filler.
Implementation Method 1
a weighing element assigned to the container station for determining a weight of the container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (1) has a filler (2) with multiple filling stations (21) for conveying medium to containers (11) through an inlet (12) and discharging the medium from the containers via an outlet (13). A carousel (4) is provided with multiple measuring stations (41) and attached to the filler for weighing the containers such that two measuring sections (M1, M2) of the carousel determine unloaded weight and end weight of the containers in the inlet and the outlet, respectively. Transportation star wheels (6A, 6B) are arranged between the filler and the carousel. An independent claim is also included for a method for filling a container.