Hybrid Counting Device Merging Tray Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional object counting devices are limited by the requirement that the number of channels on the vibratory tray must equal the number of slides, which restricts counting capacity, increases cost, and dictates overall size, while also being inflexible in channel configuration.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid counting device with tray channels, detection channels, and governors, where hybrid staging channels receive objects from multiple tray channels, allowing governors to control the dispensing of objects from multiple channels, thereby eliminating the need for a one-to-one channel-to-slide ratio, and enabling increased counting capacity without altering dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of channels on the vibratory tray is equal to the number of slides, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the counting capacity is limited and the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple tray channels (first tray channel and second tray channel) to feed into a single detection channel. This allows multiple product streams to be combined and controlled by a single governor, thereby increasing counting capacity without proportionally increasing the number of slides or governors needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection channel serves multiple functions by receiving products from multiple tray channels simultaneously. The single governor controls the dispensing of objects from multiple tray channels, making the governor multi-functional and reducing the total number of governors required in the system.
2Productivity
If the number of channels on the vibratory tray is equal to the number of slides, then each channel can be independently controlled, but the device cost increases and size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tray channels are merged to feed into a single detection channel, reducing the total number of detection channels and governors needed. This consolidation decreases component count, manufacturing complexity, and overall device cost while maintaining the ability to count products from multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The governor performs multiple functions by controlling the dispensing of objects from multiple tray channels through a single detection channel. This multi-functionality reduces the number of governors required, thereby lowering device cost and simplifying the overall structure.
3Productivity
If multiple tray channels feed into multiple detection channels, then the counting capacity increases, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tray channels (first and second tray channels) to feed into a single detection channel. This merging allows the system to process products from multiple sources while using fewer detection channels and governors, thereby increasing counting capacity without proportionally increasing component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The single detection channel and governor serve multiple tray channels, making these components multi-functional. This approach reduces the total number of components needed in the system while maintaining the ability to count and control products from multiple tray channels simultaneously.
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
The hybrid counting device enhances counting capacity, reduces costs, and maintains device size by allowing multiple tray channels to feed into fewer detection channels, with governors controlling object flow to achieve the desired quantity efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a linear vibrator feeder motor which in turn excites a linear vibrator tray
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid counting device may include a number of tray channels, a number of detection channels in which each tray channel may be in communication with a detection channel, and a number of governors. Objects may be motivated from the tray channels and into a detection channel that each tray channel is in communication with. A detection unit may be in communication with each detection channel, and each detection channel may be in communication with one hybrid staging channel or with one supplement staging channel. A supplement staging channel may be in communication with at least one tray channel, and the exit of objects from each supplement staging channel may be controlled by a respective governor. A hybrid staging channel may be in communication with at least two tray channels, and the exit of objects from each hybrid staging channel may be controlled by a respective governor.