Combination Weigher Dual Discharge Chute System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combination weighers face challenges in achieving high-speed operation and improving productivity due to limitations in discharge speed and the need for additional sorting devices to handle bulky or low-density objects, and in adapting to multiple packaging machine inlets.
Innovation Solution
A combination weigher configuration with multiple hoppers arranged in a straight line, featuring two discharge means that allow objects to be discharged perpendicular to the hopper line, enabling selective discharge to multiple positions, and a control system for alternating discharge combinations to optimize weight distribution and reduce mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single collecting chute is used in conventional combination weighers, then the structure is simple, but high-speed operation cannot be achieved because objects mix together and discharge speed cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The single collecting chute is segmented into multiple collecting chutes (first collecting chute and second collecting chute). Each chute handles a separate discharge stream, preventing object mixing and enabling independent optimization of discharge speed for each channel, thereby achieving high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge structure transitions from a single-channel to a multi-channel configuration, adding spatial dimensionality to the discharge paths. This dimensional expansion allows parallel discharge operations without interference, enabling productivity improvement while maintaining structural manageability.
2Productivity
If discharge speed is increased in conventional weighers, then productivity improves, but objects from different combinations mix together causing weighing errors
Solution Approach 1:
Discharge paths are segmented into separate collecting chutes for different combination groups. This segmentation maintains clear separation between objects from different combinations even at high discharge speeds, preventing mixing errors while enabling increased discharge velocity for improved productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Objects are pre-assigned to specific collecting chutes based on their combination group before discharge begins. This preliminary routing ensures that even when discharge speed increases, objects maintain their designated paths and cannot mix with objects from other combinations, preserving weight accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional weighers are adapted to multiple packaging machine inlets, then versatility improves, but additional sorting devices are required increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge system is segmented into multiple independent collecting chutes that can be independently controlled and directed. Each chute can serve a different packaging machine inlet, providing multi-inlet capability without requiring complex sorting devices, as the segmentation itself creates the routing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple collecting chutes create a universal discharge system that can adapt to various packaging machine configurations. The same segmented chute structure can serve different numbers and types of packaging inlets, providing versatility without additional sorting complexity.
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 enhances productivity by allowing high-speed discharge and easy adaptation to multiple packaging machine inlets, improving weight distribution precision and reducing the need for additional sorting devices.
Implementation Method 1
The weighing hopper 4 is attached with a weight sensor such as a load cell. The weight sensor measures the weight of the objects to be weighed inside the weighing hopper 4
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A combination weigher of the present invention comprises a plurality of weighing hoppers (4) which are arranged in a straight-line shape and are each capable of discharging objects to be weighed selectively in a first direction or in a second direction, a first collecting chute (6a) and a collecting hopper (7a) which are configured to gather the objects to be weighed which have been discharged in the first direction from the weighing hoppers (4) and to discharge them, a second collecting chute (6b) and a collecting hopper (7b) which are configured to gather the objects to be weighed which have been discharged in the second direction from the weighing hoppers (4) and to discharge them, and a control unit (10) configured to determine a first discharge combination and a second discharge combination in which combination weight values fall within an allowable range with respect to a target weight value, to cause weighing hoppers (4) belonging to the first discharge combination to discharge the objects to be weighed in the first direction, to cause weighing hoppers (4) belonging to the second discharge combination to discharge the objects to be weighed in the second direction, and to cause, according to the discharge operation, the collecting hopper (7a) and the collecting hopper (7b) to discharge the objects to be weighed.