Filling System Scale Reduction via Dual Weighing Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling systems for containers, particularly for gases like LPG, require a large number of scales and corresponding control equipment to achieve high filling capacity, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A filling system that uses only two scales, strategically placed in separate weighing sections along the track, to predict and ensure accurate filling of containers by calculating filling rates and times, allowing for reduced equipment usage while maintaining high capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple scales are used in each transport unit to ensure accurate filling measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple weighing functions into a single scale by strategically positioning it to weigh containers at different stages (empty containers before filling, and filled containers after filling). This single scale performs multiple measurement tasks that would traditionally require separate scales at each transport unit, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single scale is designed to serve multiple purposes: weighing empty containers, weighing filled containers, and providing data for both filling control and verification. This multi-functional approach allows one scale to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized scales, reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single scale is used to reduce equipment complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scale performs preliminary weighing of empty containers before filling begins. This preliminary measurement is stored and later used to calculate the exact amount of substance added during filling, ensuring precise measurement control without requiring multiple scales during the filling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the single scale's measurements to control the filling process. By continuously monitoring weight changes and comparing them against target values, the system can adjust filling operations in real-time, maintaining precision despite using fewer scales.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple scales are deployed to monitor filling at each station, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time in system operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single scale operates continuously as containers pass by, weighing them in sequence without interrupting the filling process. This continuous operation eliminates the time losses associated with stopping the production line for discrete weighing operations at multiple stations, while still maintaining manufacturing precision through systematic measurement and control.
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 approach significantly reduces the number of scales needed while maintaining the capacity of traditional systems, achieving precise filling with minimal equipment and increased operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
weighing a transport unit (2), a container (1) and substance filled into the container
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a filling system. One object of the invention is to provide a filling system with a reduced number of scales included for providing input for controlling the filling operation. The system has an electronic scale incorporated in at least two separate weighing sections being arranged to individually weigh the transport units holding containers to be filled, while the transport units are passing the weighing sections. Operation of the filling system includes operations in relation to weighing information obtained from the weighing sections. The filling system according to the invention may include only two scales, which is significantly less than the known systems, which include an individual scale for each transport unit.