Multifingered Scale for Continuous Container Weighing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filling quantity checking methods in bottling plants either interrupt the container flow, leading to economic losses, or result in unreliable measurements due to foam formation and container tolerances, making it difficult to ensure each container is filled to the correct amount without random checks.
Innovation Solution
A continuous level control system where containers are weighed in-line without interrupting the flow, using transversely arranged sensors and measuring fingers that adapt to the container's contact area, allowing simultaneous weighing of multiple containers with reliable measurement results, and a sorting mechanism to remove underfilled or overfilled containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If containers are removed from the flow and weighed individually using separate holding devices, then reliable fill quantity measurement can be achieved, but the container flow is interrupted leading to significant time and economic losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous weighing by integrating the scale into the container flow path, allowing containers to be weighed without removal or interruption. The scale is positioned such that containers pass over it continuously during normal flow, eliminating the need for separate holding devices and maintaining uninterrupted throughput while achieving reliable fill quantity measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the weighing function with the existing container transport flow by positioning the scale within the flow path. Instead of separating the weighing operation from the transport operation, the scale is integrated into the conveyor system, allowing both functions to occur simultaneously in the same spatial and temporal domain.
2Ease of operation
If optical or sensor data is used for fill level control, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but foam formation distorts the data leading to unreliable inspection results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical and sensor-based measurement systems with a mechanical weighing system. Instead of using light or electromagnetic fields that are susceptible to foam interference, the solution uses direct mechanical weight measurement, which is not affected by foam formation or container transparency, thereby achieving reliable fill quantity detection.
3Speed
If containers are diverted from the flow to a measuring point, then measurement at high transport speeds can be achieved, but continuous fill level monitoring of each container is no longer possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous monitoring by keeping all containers in the main flow path passing over the scale. No containers are diverted or removed, ensuring that every container is measured sequentially without interruption, thereby maintaining both high speed and continuous monitoring capability for every container.
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 continuous, reliable filling quantity checks without interrupting the container flow, unaffected by foam formation or container tolerances, ensuring accurate sorting and maintaining high throughput in bottling plants.
Implementation Method 1
sensors, on which the containers are transported... and simultaneously weighed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a filling system (1) for containers (2) fed into a filling device by means of a feeder device (3) and removed by means of a removal device (4), wherein at least one measurement device (5) is provided at least for weighing the filled container (2). The invention further relates to a measurement device (5) at least for weighing filled containers (2). In order to achieve that each container (2) can be subjected to fill level monitoring without interrupting the flow of containers, wherein reliable measurement data can be obtained at the same time regardless of foaming or of container tolerances, for example, the invention proposes that the at least one measurement device (5) is formed of a plurality of circulating measurement sensors (6) on which the containers (2) are transported from an inlet side (7) to an outlet side (8) while standing on the base thereof, and are simultaneously weighed, wherein the measurement sensors (6) circulate synchronously with the container flow.