Combination Weigher Multi-Stage Discharge Cycle Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional combination weighers struggle to shorten the discharge cycle and time of objects to be weighed for high-speed packaging machines, leading to objects being stuck in the packaging process.

Innovation Solution

A combination weigher with multiple base groups, circular-arc-shaped hopper lines, collecting chutes, and collecting hoppers, where a control unit performs combination calculations to determine optimal discharge groups and sequences, allowing simultaneous discharge of objects to minimize discharge time and prevent sticking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of weighing hoppers is increased to constitute double shift or triple shift, then the discharge cycle is shortened to 1/2 or 1/3, but the length from upper end to lower end of the batch of objects discharged and the time taken to accommodate objects into the bag is not shortened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge cycleVSAvoidlength of batch of objects discharged

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the batch of objects to be weighed into multiple groups (first group, second group, third group) that are discharged separately through different collecting chutes. This segmentation allows each group to be discharged in a shorter time interval, reducing the overall discharge cycle while preventing objects from getting stuck in the packaging machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a time dimension to the discharge process by sequentially discharging different groups of objects at different times. The first group is discharged first, followed by the second group, and then the third group, creating a staged discharge pattern that reduces the discharge cycle without increasing the batch length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the discharge cycle is shortened for high-speed packaging machines, then the packaging speed is improved, but objects get stuck in the sealed portion due to insufficient discharge time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging speedVSAvoidobject discharge completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary discharge of the first group of objects before completing the weighing and discharge of subsequent groups. This preliminary action ensures that objects are discharged in a timely manner to prevent sticking, while the remaining groups are discharged in subsequent time intervals to maintain packaging speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements periodic discharge by dividing objects into multiple groups that are discharged at different time intervals. The first group is discharged in the first time interval, the second group in the second time interval, and the third group in the third time interval, creating a periodic discharge pattern that prevents objects from getting stuck while maintaining high packaging speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 discharge time and cycle, enabling the combination weigher to operate efficiently with high-speed packaging machines and preventing objects from getting stuck.

Implementation Method 1

The dispersion feeder 1 has a conical shape and serves to radially disperse objects to be weighed supplied from an external supplying device by vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

Around the dispersion feeder 1, linear feeders 2 are provided to transfer the objects to be weighed sent from the dispersion feeder 1 into the corresponding feeding hoppers 3 by vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

The objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing hoppers 4 slide down on the collecting chute 6, and are sent out from an outlet provided in a lower portion thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS8035041B2Combinational machine that performs a first combinational calculation among each of a plurality of base groups, discharges them into respective discharge chutes, and then performs a second combinational calculation among the discharged groups

Publication Date: 2011.10.11 KAWANISHI SHOZO

AI summary

A combination weigher of the present invention comprises a plurality of base groups into which a plurality of combination hoppers (4) which are circularly arranged are divided; a plurality of collecting chutes (6A to 6D) which are respectively disposed to respectively correspond to the base groups, a plurality of collecting hoppers (7A to 7D) respectively provided at the outlets of the collecting chutes; and a control means (21) wherein the control means (21) is configured to perform: a combination process to determine p discharge groups each including one or more base groups and perform combination calculation for each of the discharge groups to select combination hoppers forming optimal combination, a process to cause the combination hoppers forming optimal combinations in all discharge groups to discharge the objects to be weighed simultaneously; and a process to sequentially select the discharge groups and to cause the collecting hoppers corresponding to the base groups including the combination hoppers forming the optimal combinations in the discharge groups to discharge the objects to be weighed, according to the selected sequence.