Electromagnetic Container Support for Powder Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filling machines for powders face issues with non-uniform distribution of products in containers due to mechanical vibration systems that lose reliability over time and interfere with load cell measurements, making it difficult to vary vibration frequency and maintain accurate weight control.
Innovation Solution
A container supporting device with a solenoid and permanent magnets generating alternating oscillations, allowing for variable vibration frequency without affecting load cell measurements, using a solenoid with a ferromagnetic core for enhanced magnetic efficiency and motion limiting means to ensure stable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical elements with antagonist elastic elements are used to generate radial vibrations, then container vibration is achieved, but reliability decreases over time due to loss of mechanical characteristics and vibration frequency cannot be easily varied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vibration generation system with an electromagnetic system consisting of a solenoid and permanent magnets. The solenoid generates a variable magnetic field that interacts with the permanent magnets to produce vibrations in the container supporting device. This substitution eliminates the mechanical elastic elements that degrade over time and allows for easy variation of vibration frequency through electrical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables easy variation of vibration frequency by changing the electrical parameters of the solenoid system. By varying the frequency of the electrical signal supplied to the solenoid, the vibration frequency can be adjusted without mechanical modifications. This parameter change approach allows flexible adaptation to different filling requirements while maintaining high reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical vibration elements are used to distribute product uniformly, then product distribution is improved, but load cell measurements are distorted due to additional force components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by positioning the solenoid and permanent magnets in a configuration where the electromagnetic forces are generated off-axis relative to the load cell measurement direction. The magnetic field interaction produces vibrations that distribute product uniformly while the force components are directed in a way that minimizes interference with the load cell's weight measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the mechanical vibration system with an electromagnetic one, the patent eliminates the direct mechanical coupling between the vibration mechanism and the load cell. The electromagnetic forces act on the container supporting device without the same level of direct force transmission to the load cell that would distort weight measurements, thereby maintaining both product distribution uniformity and measurement accuracy.
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
Ensures uniform product distribution, maintains reliable long-term operation, and allows easy adjustment of vibration frequency for optimal filling efficiency with minimal interference to load cell measurements, reducing wear and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A container supporting device with a solenoid and permanent magnets generating alternating oscillations
Implementation Method 2
solenoid and permanent magnets generating alternating oscillations
Implementation Method 3
using a solenoid with a ferromagnetic core for enhanced magnetic efficiency
Implementation Method 4
capable of achieving a perfect distribution of the product that is spilled into the containers
Data Source
AI summary
A device for supporting containers in filling machines for products in powder form includes, a first supporting element, connected to the structure of a filling machine, and a second supporting element designed to support a respective container to be filled. The device further includes actuation elements configured for actuating, with a vibrating motion, the second supporting element with respect to the first supporting element. The second supporting element can rotate with respect to the first supporting element about a substantially vertical rotation axis. The actuation elements further include elements for generating a variable magnetic field, which are integral with one of the supporting elements, and magnetic means, which are integral with the other of the supporting elements and interact with the generator to cause an alternating oscillation, in the two opposite rotation directions, of the second supporting element with respect to the first supporting element, about the rotation axis.