Hopper Gate Locking Mechanism for Combination Weigher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hoppers for weighing apparatuses are difficult to attach and detach, particularly for cleaning purposes, as they require manual operation and lack efficient locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A hopper design with a restricting portion that automatically locks the gate in a closed state during detachment and releases the lock during attachment, utilizing physical contact with the attached portion to facilitate easy one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual locking mechanism is used for the gate, then the gate can be securely locked, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The gate locking mechanism automatically engages when the hopper is detached from the weighing apparatus. The restricting portion on the hopper interacts with the attached portion to automatically lock the gate in the closed position during detachment, and automatically releases it during attachment, eliminating the need for manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The gate is automatically locked in the closed state before the hopper is fully detached from the weighing apparatus. The restricting portion starts restricting the gate opening operation in conjunction with the detaching operation, ensuring the gate is secured before separation is complete
2Ease of repair
If the hopper is frequently attached and detached for cleaning, then maintenance is improved, but the operation becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The attaching portion and attached portion are designed to automatically engage and disengage without requiring manual manipulation of locks or fasteners. The automatic locking and releasing mechanisms perform their functions passively during the attachment and detachment operations, reducing the time and effort required for maintenance activities
Solution Approach 2:
The hopper is designed as a separable component with distinct attaching portions that can be easily detached from the weighing apparatus. This segmentation allows the hopper to be quickly removed for cleaning and maintenance, and the automatic mechanisms ensure this process is efficient
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A hopper includes a main body having a first opening to which articles are thrown in and a second opening from which the articles are discharged, a gate capable of being opened and closed with respect to the second opening, a restricting portion configured to restrict an opening and closing operation of the gate with respect to the second opening, and an attaching portion capable of being attached and detached with respect to an attached portion provided on a weighing apparatus. The restricting portion starts restricting the opening and closing operation in a state where the gate is closed with respect to the second opening in conjunction with an operation of detaching the attaching portion from the attached portion.