Interchangeable Hopper Kits for Faster Batching and Weighing Changeover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing batching/weighing hoppers in combined weighing apparatuses require complete disassembly and replacement of frames and hollow box bodies for different product types, shapes, and treatments, leading to high costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A kit of interchangeable components, including a frame and removable hollow box bodies and hatches, allows for quick assembly and disassembly to adapt hopper capacity and treat different products without dismounting the entire structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the hollow box body is rigidly and unremovably fixed to the frame by welding, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the adaptability to different product types and the ease of repair deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidadaptability to different product types

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hopper is divided into separate components: the frame and the hollow box body are no longer welded as a single unit, but connected through removable coupling elements. This segmentation allows the hollow box body to be independently removed and replaced while maintaining the structural integrity of the frame, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the frame and hollow box body transitions from a static welded joint to a dynamic removable connection. The hollow box body can be easily attached and detached from the frame through coupling elements, enabling quick adaptation to different product types without compromising the overall structural strength when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the hollow box body is rigidly and unremovably fixed to the frame by welding, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of repair

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the hopper into separable components (frame and hollow box body) connected through removable elements rather than permanent welding, the design enables easy repair and maintenance. Damaged components can be independently removed and replaced without affecting the entire structure, while the frame maintains its structural stability when components are properly reattached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the entire hopper structure is disassembled and replaced for different product types, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time and productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different product typesVSAvoiddowntime for replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hopper is segmented into the frame and interchangeable hollow box bodies. When different product types are required, only the hollow box body needs to be removed and replaced, not the entire hopper structure. This significantly reduces the time required for adaptation while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame serves as a universal base structure that can accommodate multiple different hollow box bodies through standardized coupling elements. This multi-functionality allows the same frame to support various product types by simply changing the hollow box body, eliminating the need to disassemble and replace the entire hopper structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If the hollow box body is made as a single body with the frame, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ease of operation for different configurations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidease of operation for different configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The design segments the hopper into separately manufacturable components (frame and hollow box body) that are assembled through removable coupling elements. This maintains manufacturing simplicity for each individual component while enabling operational flexibility for different configurations through easy assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250297884A1Kit of components for forming an interchangeable hopper for batching/weighing products in a combined weighing apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 ILAPAK ITAL

AI summary

The kit of components for forming an interchangeable batching/weighing hopper for batching/weighing products in a combined weighing apparatus comprises a first common component, mountable on the weighing apparatus, and at least one unit of interchangeable second components comprising a hollow box body and a hatch which are assemblable and mountable on the first common component to form the hopper.