Conveyor Coupling Segmentation for Weighing Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor devices in the plastics sector face challenges in ensuring that the weighing result is not influenced by the conveying process, as forces acting on the vacuum and conveying lines can affect the accuracy of material throughput recording.
Innovation Solution
The design of the conveyor device features coupling parts that do not come into contact with each other, allowing for a sealed open area and the use of a sealing element, such as a soft plastic ring, to ensure reliable conveyance and prevent forces from affecting the weighing result, with the sealing element automatically switching between a release and sealing position based on vacuum pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the coupling parts are connected to ensure structural stability, then the conveying device can maintain its shape, but forces from the conveying process are transferred to the separator unit and affect weighing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into two separate coupling parts that do not touch each other. The first coupling part connects to the frame and the second coupling part connects to the separator unit, creating a segmented connection that prevents force transfer while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing element acts as an intermediary between the two coupling parts, enabling connection without direct contact. The sealing element allows the coupling to function while preventing force transmission from the conveying line to the separator unit.
2Measurement precision
If the coupling parts do not touch each other to prevent force transfer, then weighing accuracy is improved, but an open area is created that requires sealing to ensure reliable material conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sealing element, such as a sealing ring or membrane, is used to seal the open area between the non-contacting coupling parts. This flexible sealing solution maintains the non-contact configuration while ensuring reliable material conveyance through the sealed passage.
3Reliability
If a sealing element is added to seal the open area between coupling parts, then conveyance reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. This approach reduces overall device complexity by using a basic sealing element rather than a complex sealing mechanism.
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 solution ensures accurate gravimetric throughput recording by isolating the weighing system from forces exerted during the conveying process, maintaining the integrity of the weighing result and ensuring reliable material delivery while allowing for self-cleaning of the coupling area.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing element automatically switching between a release and sealing position based on vacuum pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
The conveying device is designed for use in the plastics industry and has a separator unit (1) suspended from a load cell. The separator unit is mounted on a frame (3) which is connected to the separator unit (1) via a first coupling (5) for connection to at least one suction source and via a second coupling (18) for connection to at least one conveying line for the material to be conveyed. At least the first and/or the second coupling (5, 18) has a coupling part (5a, 18a) connected to the separator unit (1) and a coupling part (5b, 18b) connected to the frame (3). Both coupling parts (5a, 5b; 18a, 18b) are not in contact with each other. The area between the two coupling parts (5a, 5b; 18a, 18b) can be sealed by at least one sealing element (9).