Concentrate Filling System with Load Cell Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The market for hemp and related concentrates faces challenges in packaging due to the difficult and often hard-to-package nature of these products, which can have both solid and liquid components and uneven grain sizes.
Innovation Solution
A concentrate filling system that includes a solid loader, conveyor, load cell, injection pump, and controller, which work together to accurately dispense and package concentrates by controlling the weight and distribution of solid and liquid components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual packaging methods are used for concentrates, then flexibility in handling different concentrate types is maintained, but packaging precision and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The filling system is designed with multiple filling heads and adjustable parameters that allow it to handle different concentrate types (oils, waxes, shatters, diamonds) through a single automated platform, achieving both versatility and high efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of filling parameters such as weight, volume, and dispensing speed to accommodate different concentrate viscosities and densities, maintaining adaptability while operating in automated high-speed mode
2Productivity
If automated filling systems are implemented, then packaging efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is divided into independent functional modules including separate filling heads, weighing systems, and control units that can operate semi-independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic weighing and feedback control mechanisms that self-regulate the filling process without requiring complex external monitoring, achieving high efficiency with simplified control architecture
3Productivity
If concentrates are packaged without precise weight control, then packaging speed is increased, but product consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Integrated load cells provide real-time weight feedback during the filling process, allowing the system to automatically adjust dispensing parameters to achieve target weights with high precision while maintaining rapid filling speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary weighing and calibration before the actual filling operation, ensuring that subsequent high-speed filling maintains consistent weight accuracy without sacrificing packaging speed
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 system enables precise and efficient filling of concentrate jars, addressing the packaging challenges by ensuring accurate weight measurements and uniform distribution of materials, thereby improving supply chain efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell operable to receive a container, wherein the container receives the dispensed particles from the conveyor
Implementation Method 2
an injection pump coupled to a fluid reservoir designed to dispense fluids into the container
Implementation Method 3
a conveyor operable to receive the dispensed particles at a proximal end and further dispense particles at a distal end
Data Source
AI summary
Concentrate filling system includes a solid loader operable to dispense particles through a dispensing end. The system includes a conveyer operable to receive the dispensed particles at a proximal end and further dispense particles at a distal end. The system includes load cell operable to receive a container that receives the dispensed particles. The system includes an injection pump to dispense fluids into the container. The system includes controller operable to receive data from the load cell indicative of a weight of the particles and/or fluid and send a control signal to the conveyor to adjust the dispensing of the particles and send a control signal to the injection pump. Upon receiving indicative of a predetermined weight of the container, fluid, and particles, the controller is operable to send a control signal to the conveyor and the injection pump to stop dispensing of particles and fluid.