Integrated Weighing Container for Compact Bulk Flow Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weighing and transporting devices for bulk materials are bulky and require multiple stages, making them unsuitable for confined spaces and reducing accuracy in mass flow rate determination due to longer transport paths and material re-segregation.
Innovation Solution
A compact weighing and transporting device where the weighing container functions as both a receiving container and separator, integrated with a downstream storage container, allowing direct filling and discharge to a collecting hopper, and utilizing a single actuator for closure and adjustment, combined with capacitive or inductive sensors for precise filling level detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a storage container and suction conveyor system are mounted above the weighing device, then the weighing and transporting device can handle bulk materials, but the device becomes bulky and requires multiple stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the weighing container and receiving container into a single integrated component. The weighing container serves dual functions: as the container being weighed and as the receiving container for bulk material. This merging eliminates the need for separate storage containers and suction conveyor systems mounted above, reducing device complexity while maintaining bulk material handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighing container is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the weighing vessel, the receiving container for vacuum-conveyed material, and the discharge container for material delivery to the collecting hopper. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed in the system.
2Volume of moving object
If a vacuum conveyor with receiving container is integrated with storage container and weighing container, then the device size is reduced, but the transport path becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the receiving container directly into the weighing container structure, the patent eliminates intermediate transport paths. The material flows directly from the vacuum conveyor into the weighing container, which is positioned immediately adjacent to the collecting hopper, minimizing the overall transport path length while maintaining compact device dimensions.
3Productivity
If the weighing container is filled and then discharged to collecting hopper, then material flow is continuous, but material re-segregation occurs during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the weighing function from the material transport function by using a discharge gap that allows material to fall directly from the weighing container to the collecting hopper without passing through intermediate transport paths. This direct discharge minimizes the opportunity for material re-segregation while maintaining continuous flow.
4Reliability
If multiple closing means are used for upper inlet and lower outlet, then sealing is reliable, but the actuator system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is designed to perform multiple functions: it closes the upper inlet, closes the lower outlet, and adjusts the position of the weighing container relative to the collecting hopper. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate closing means for each function, simplifying the overall actuator system while maintaining reliable sealing.
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
Enables precise mass flow rate determination in confined spaces with reduced equipment size, allowing rapid material changes and improved flexibility in material throughput and positioning, while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the vacuum connection and the material suction coupling are connected. In the filling cycles the air stream with bulk material is fed, with the weighing container volume closed, directly to the weighing container volume
Implementation Method 2
the weighing container can subsequently discharge the contained bulk material continuously downwards, where it will be discharged via the impact means to a collecting hopper
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a weighing and transport device and a method for transporting and detecting mass flow rates of bulk material.In filling cycles, a weighing container is closed at its upper inlet and lower outlet, whereupon bulk material id fed directly to the weighing container.In weighing cycles, the upper inlet and the lower outlet are opened and the bulk material is discharged via an impact means, e.g., an impact cone.A level sensor measures a filling level of the bulk material in the weighing container; an actuator serves to close the upper inlet and the lower outlet. Preferably, the lower outlet is closed by the impact means, and the upper inlet is closed by raising the weighing container against a support means, where, in particular, a common adjustment can be carried out via the actuator.