Conveyor-Weigher Segmentation for Article Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional single-scale type conveying-weighing apparatuses face difficulties in accurately measuring the weight and dimensions of a variety of articles conveyed successively, as they require adjustment of article spacing and are inefficient in handling diverse article lengths.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features multiple conveyers arranged in series with integrated weighing devices and sensors to measure article lengths and widths, allowing for real-time calculation and selection of the appropriate weighing values based on article length, enabling precise measurement of weights and dimensions of articles conveyed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-scale type apparatus with one conveyer is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot handle a wide variety of articles with different lengths efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle various article lengthsVSAvoidstructure of conveying-weighing apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into multiple conveying-weighing units (first unit with conveyer 1a and weighing device 1b, second unit with conveyer 2a and weighing device 2b) arranged in series, each capable of independently measuring articles of different lengths, thereby increasing adaptability while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each conveying-weighing unit is designed with universal functionality to handle articles of various lengths, where the weighing devices can measure both short articles (on conveyer 1a) and long articles (on conveyer 2a), making the system versatile without requiring completely different configurations for different article types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If article spacing is adjusted to achieve exact weight measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to slower conveying speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight measurement accuracyVSAvoidconveying speed and measurement capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single measurement point is segmented into multiple weighing devices (1b and 2b) positioned at different locations, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple articles or continuous measurement without requiring spacing adjustments, thus maintaining both precision and high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The series arrangement of conveying-weighing units enables continuous measurement operation where articles are constantly being weighed as they pass through, eliminating the need to stop or slow down for spacing adjustments, thereby maintaining continuous high-speed productivity while ensuring accurate measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If multiple conveying-weighing units are arranged in series, then measurement capacity and speed are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capacity and speedVSAvoidnumber of conveyers and weighing devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple conveying-weighing units are merged into a single integrated apparatus with shared control systems and sequential article flow, where the first and second conveying-weighing units operate as a coordinated system rather than separate devices, increasing productivity while managing overall complexity through unified design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single linear conveyer to a multi-dimensional arrangement with conveyers positioned at different heights and locations (first conveyer 1a, second conveyer 2a, weighing unit 3), allowing articles to be measured at multiple points in the conveying path, thereby increasing measurement capacity without proportionally increasing horizontal space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enhances the efficiency and accuracy of measuring weights and dimensions of articles, improving the capacity and speed of the measurement process by using multiple conveyers and sensors to adapt to different article lengths.

Implementation Method 1

a weighing device for weighing the article conveyed by the conveyer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce: Force

Implementation Method 2

a sensor unit for measuring the lengths of the respective articles conveyed by the conveyers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Data Source

PatentUS8466380B2Apparatus and method for measuring articles including conveyor-weighers supported on weighing unit

Publication Date: 2013.06.18 TERAOKA SEIKO CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for measuring articles includes a conveying part, a plurality of measuring parts and a determining part. The conveying part includes a plurality of conveyers placed adjacently in series for conveying articles successively in a straight line. The plurality of measuring parts measure weight or dimensions of the respective articles successively conveyed by the conveying part. The determining part determines the weight or the dimensions of the respective articles based on the measured values by the plurality of the measuring parts.