Movable Discharge Chute for Combination Weigher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination weighing apparatuses have poor workability when detaching or attaching the discharge chute, requiring removal of other components, which complicates maintenance and operation.
Innovation Solution
A combination weighing apparatus with a movable discharge chute that can be easily switched between operational and detachable positions using a rail system and support mechanism, allowing for improved accessibility and ease of use, while preventing foreign matter entry through the design of handles and movement restriction features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the discharge chute is fixed to the frame, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation for detaching/attaching the discharge chute deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge chute is designed to be movable between a fixed position (where it is secured to the frame) and a movable position (where it can be detached). This is achieved through a rail member that guides the discharge chute's movement and a support portion that engages with the rail, allowing the discharge chute to transition between stable and detachable states as needed
2Ease of repair
If the discharge chute is made detachable, then the ease of operation for maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge chute is designed as a separate, detachable component from the frame, allowing it to be removed and reattached. This segmentation enables maintenance personnel to access and service the discharge chute independently without disassembling the entire weighing apparatus, thereby improving ease of repair while keeping the added complexity localized to the connection mechanism
3Area of stationary object
If the discharge chute is positioned in a compact arrangement, then the space utilization is improved, but the accessibility for operators deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge chute utilizes vertical space by extending upward from the weighing hoppers, allowing articles to be discharged into it from above. This vertical arrangement enables compact horizontal footprint while maintaining operator accessibility at the top of the discharge chute for loading and removal operations
Data Source
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AI summary
A combination weighing apparatus (40) includes a combination weighing unit configured to store articles (A) supplied from outside into each of a plurality of weighing hoppers (46), to select a combination of measured values from a plurality of measured values of the articles corresponding to each of the weighing hoppers such that a total value results in a target measured value, and to cause the hoppers corresponding to the combination to discharge the articles, in which a discharge chute (70) that receives the articles discharged from the combination weighing unit and that supplies the articles to a processing device for a subsequent process is provided, and the discharge chute is provided to be movable between a first position (P1) where the discharge chute receives the articles discharged from the combination weighing unit and a second position (P2) where the discharge chute is made to be detachable from a frame (57) supporting the combination weighing unit.