Combination Weigher Multi-Stage Chute Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combination weighers face challenges in reducing batch time on collecting chutes, especially with bulky or sticky objects, leading to increased operation time and potential damage due to high-speed operation and large hopper arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The combination weigher is configured with plural weighing units, each having a group of annularly arranged combination hoppers, an upper collecting chute, and upper collecting hoppers, with a control system performing repetitive combination calculations to determine discharge combinations, allowing for reduced batch time and hopper sizes, and a two-stage or multi-stage chute configuration to minimize transportation distance and impact on objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-speed operation is performed to increase productivity, then productivity is improved, but batch time on collecting chute increases leading to potential mixing of batches
Solution Approach 1:
The collecting chute is divided into multiple sections (first collecting chute, second collecting chute, third collecting chute) with intermediate collecting hoppers positioned between them. This segmentation allows batches to be processed through different sections simultaneously, reducing the overall batch time while maintaining high-speed operation and preventing batch mixing.
2Measurement precision
If multiple weighing hoppers are arranged in a large circular form to improve weighing accuracy, then weighing accuracy is improved, but the size of collecting chute and transportation distance increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging all weighing hoppers in a single large circular pattern, the invention uses multiple smaller circular arrangements (first, second, third weighing hopper groups) positioned at different locations. The intermediate collecting hoppers are positioned between these groups, creating a multi-dimensional layout that reduces the radius and transportation distance while maintaining sufficient weighing accuracy through multiple hoppers.
3Productivity
If high-speed operation is performed with bulky or sticky objects, then productivity is improved, but batch time increases due to object characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The collecting chute is divided into multiple sections with intermediate collecting hoppers positioned between them. This segmentation reduces the distance objects must travel on the chute, thereby reducing batch time even for bulky or sticky objects that tend to increase batch time. The multiple sections allow for faster processing while preventing batch mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate collecting hoppers are positioned between the different collecting chute sections to act as intermediaries. These hoppers receive objects from one section and transfer them to the next section, facilitating faster processing of bulky or sticky objects while maintaining continuous flow and preventing batch mixing.
4Productivity
If high-speed operation is performed, then productivity is improved, but impact damage to objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collecting chute is divided into multiple shorter sections instead of one long chute. This segmentation reduces the acceleration distance and final impact speed of objects, thereby reducing impact damage while maintaining high-speed operation and productivity.
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
This configuration reduces batch time on collecting chutes, enables high-speed operation regardless of object characteristics, minimizes object damage, and reduces the installation area of the weigher, while preventing mixing of batches and ensuring accurate packaging.
Implementation Method 1
a dispersion feeder 1 having a conical shape is mounted to an upper part of the center base body 15 to radially disperse the objects to be weighed supplied from an external supplying device by vibration
Implementation Method 2
linear feeders 2 are provided to transfer the objects to be weighed which have been sent from the dispersion feeder 1 into respective feeding hoppers 3 by vibration
Implementation Method 3
The weighing hopper 4 is attached with a weight sensor 41 such as a load cell. The weight sensor 41 measures the weight of the objects to be weighed inside the weighing hopper 4.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a combination weigher capable of performing a high-speed operation regardless of a characteristic of objects to be weighed, etc. The combination weigher of the present invention comprises plural weighing units (W1, W2) and a lower collecting chute (8) and a lower collecting hopper (9)which collect the objects to be weighed which have been discharged from upper collecting hoppers (7a, 7b) of weighing units (W1, W2) and discharge them, and a control unit (20). The control unit (20) is configured to repetitively perform a process for determining a discharge combination from weighing hoppers (4) in all weighing units (W1, W2), a process for causing weighing hoppers (4) making up the discharge combination to discharge the objects to be weighed, a process for causing all of the upper collecting hoppers (7a, 7b) to discharge the objects to be weighed; and a process for causing the lower collecting hopper (9) to discharge the objects to be weighed.