Mobile Measuring Device for Automated Powder Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring powdered ingredients are either expensive and require motorized hoppers or inexpensive but prone to errors and lack traceability, with a need for a cost-effective and accurate solution that ensures correct ingredient identification and precise mass measurement.
Innovation Solution
A mobile measuring device with motorized delivery means, identifier reading capabilities, and control systems that allow for precise measurement and verification of ingredients without user intervention, reducing production costs by eliminating the need for motorized reservoirs and ensuring accurate and traceable measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motorized hoppers are used for automatic ingredient delivery, then measurement precision and traceability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional parts: a simple passive reservoir and an active mobile measuring device. The reservoir only stores and identifies the ingredient, while the measuring device handles all measurement and delivery operations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile measuring device acts as an intermediary between the simple reservoir and the measurement process. It incorporates the motorized delivery mechanism, identifier reading, and mass measurement functions in this intermediate device, allowing the reservoir itself to remain simple and inexpensive while still achieving automated precise measurement.
2Extent of automation
If motorized means are installed in each reservoir, then delivery automation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of equipping each reservoir with motorized delivery means, the invention inverts the approach by placing the motorized delivery mechanism in the mobile measuring device that moves between reservoirs. This inversion transfers the complexity from the reservoir to the measuring device, significantly reducing reservoir manufacturing costs while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile measuring device serves multiple reservoirs sequentially, performing the delivery function for different ingredients stored in different reservoirs. This universal approach eliminates the need for each reservoir to have its own dedicated motorized delivery system, reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining full automation capability.
3Device complexity
If manual measurement method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile measuring device performs self-service by automatically identifying the ingredient through identifier reading, positioning itself correctly, and executing the measurement and delivery process without requiring manual intervention. This automation maintains system simplicity while dramatically improving measurement reliability and eliminating human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the mobile measuring device reads identifiers to verify ingredient identity, continuously monitors mass measurement during delivery, and adjusts the process accordingly. This feedback loop ensures high reliability and precision while keeping the overall system design relatively simple and straightforward.
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 solution enables efficient, accurate, and cost-effective measurement of powdered ingredients with reduced operator demand, improved traceability, and precise delivery, allowing for easy movement between reservoirs and preventing errors in mass measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the means for reading an identifier induce an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device (10) for measuring out at least one ingredient associated with a predetermined mass comprising:means (105) for guiding into position opposite at least one reservoir comprising an ingredient to be measured out,means (110) for reading an identifier of an ingredient on the reservoir comprising said ingredient,motorized means (115) for delivering the ingredient to be measured out from the reservoir,means (120) for acquiring a mass measurement of the ingredient,control means (125), configured to activate the motorized means when the reservoir of the ingredient to be measured out is identified by the means for reading an identifier and the device is positioned opposite the reservoir, until the mass of the ingredient acquired by the acquisition means is equal to the predetermined mass for the ingredient.