Combination Weigher Feed Layout for Uniform Trough Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing article supply methods result in uneven distribution of articles between feeding troughs along the circumferential edge of the distribution table.
Innovation Solution
A combination weighing apparatus with a first and second vibrator, an article supplier, a distribution table, a wall, and a controller that controls the vibrations to ensure articles are discharged in a radial and spiral manner, forming an aggregate near the first circumferential edge, and are conveyed in an inverse direction to achieve uniform supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If articles are discharged from the article supplier to the distribution table, then articles are supplied to feeding troughs, but the supply amount varies between feeding troughs located at different positions along the circumferential edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by making the discharge direction from the article supplier mutually inverse to the conveyance direction on the distribution table. Specifically, the discharge direction is set opposite to the circumferential conveyance direction, causing articles to be discharged toward the upstream side rather than the downstream side. This inverted arrangement ensures that articles are evenly distributed to all feeding troughs along the circumferential edge, preventing accumulation at any single location and achieving uniform supply across all troughs.
2Ease of operation
If the distribution table conveys articles in a circumferential direction, then articles are distributed to feeding troughs, but articles tend to discharge at the most downstream portion causing non-uniform supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the discharge position control issue by inverting the discharge direction relative to the conveyance direction. The discharge direction is configured to be opposite to the circumferential conveyance direction, so articles discharged from the supplier are directed toward the upstream side of the distribution table. This inversion prevents articles from naturally accumulating at the downstream portion and ensures precise control over discharge positions, enabling uniform distribution to all feeding troughs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific discharge region at the upstream side of the distribution table that is distinct from other regions. The discharge direction is localized to target this upstream region, and the arc-shaped wall is positioned to confine articles within this specific area. This localized discharge arrangement ensures that articles are distributed uniformly to feeding troughs along the circumferential edge rather than concentrating at the downstream portion.
3Quantity of substance
If an arc-shaped wall is added to prevent article discharge from the first circumferential edge, then article distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arc-shaped wall is designed as a simple, localized structural element positioned at a specific location (the first circumferential edge) to perform a single function: preventing article discharge from that edge. This localized approach achieves uniform article distribution without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire system. The wall's simple arc shape matches the circumferential geometry of the distribution table, making it easy to integrate while effectively confining articles to the desired discharge region.
Solution Approach 2:
The arc-shaped wall acts as an intermediary element between the article supplier and the feeding troughs. It mediates the article flow by preventing discharge at the first circumferential edge while allowing articles to be distributed to feeding troughs along the second circumferential edge. This simple intermediary structure achieves the complex goal of uniform article distribution without requiring sophisticated control mechanisms.
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 uniform distribution of articles between feeding troughs, preventing excess accumulation at the most downstream portion and ensuring consistent supply.
Implementation Method 1
a first vibrator that generates vibrations; an article supplier that has an outlet allowing articles supplied from outside to be discharged and conveys the articles in response to the vibrations from the first vibrator
Implementation Method 2
a second vibrator that generates vibrations; a distribution table circular in plan view that discharges, in response to the vibrations from the second vibrator, the articles supplied from the article supplier in a radial direction while spiraling the articles in a circumferential direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A combination weighing apparatus (1) includes: an article supplier (13) that has an outlet allowing articles supplied from outside to be discharged and conveys the articles in response to vibrations from a first vibrator (11); a distribution table (14) circular in plan view that discharges, in response to vibrations from a second vibrator (12), the articles supplied from the article supplier (13) in a radial direction while spiraling the articles in a circumferential direction; a wall (15) arc-shaped that is attached to a first circumferential edge (141) located downstream of the article supplier (13) and prevents discharge of the articles from the first circumferential edge (141), the first circumferential edge (141) being part of a circumferential edge of the distribution table; a plurality of feeding troughs (16) arrayed fanwise along a second circumferential edge (142) that is part of the circumferential edge of the distribution table (14) and is out of the first circumferential edge (141); and a controller (17) that controls the vibrations of the first vibrator (11) and the vibrations of the second vibrator (12) such that a discharge direction (D1) in which the articles are discharged from the article supplier (13) to the first circumferential edge (141) and a conveyance direction (D2) of the articles on the distribution table (14) corresponding to the first circumferential edge (141) are mutually inverse and an aggregate of the articles is formed at the first circumferential edge (141).