Automated Paper Cone Weighing with Load Cell Array
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Determining and ensuring a precise quantity of processed agricultural material in conically shaped paper rolls is time-consuming and difficult to achieve manually, necessitating an automated solution for weighing and packaging.
Innovation Solution
An automated paper roll weighing machine with a tray shuttle, tamping system, and ejection system, coupled with a graphical user interface, to accurately weigh and package conically shaped paper rolls, allowing for precise control of the closing and weighing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual weighing and packaging methods are used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but productivity is low and measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The automated packaging system is divided into distinct functional modules: a weighing machine with load cells for weight measurement, a tray shuttle mechanism for transport, a tamping system for material compression, and an ejection system for product discharge. Each module operates independently but coordinates through a control system, allowing the complex task to be managed through modular components that can be individually optimized and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that coordinates the weighing, transport, tamping, and ejection functions. The control system processes weight data from load cells and automatically triggers the sequence of operations, substituting human judgment and manual manipulation with electronic control and automated actuation, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining manageable system complexity through programmable logic.
2Measurement precision
If manual weighing is used, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision and manufacturing precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing function is enhanced by replacing manual weighing with an electronic weighing machine equipped with load cells that provide precise digital weight measurements. The control system automatically reads and processes the weight data, eliminating human error in reading and recording weights while maintaining relatively simple hardware through the use of standard electronic sensing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the control system that continuously monitors weight measurements from the load cells and uses this information to determine when the desired weight threshold is reached. This feedback mechanism automatically controls the ejection system to discharge the packaged product, ensuring consistent precision without requiring complex manual judgment or adjustment procedures.
3Productivity
If automated weighing and packaging systems are implemented, then productivity and measurement precision improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions: it receives weight data from the load cells, compares the weight against the desired threshold, controls the timing of the ejection system, and coordinates the overall packaging sequence. This multi-functional control unit simplifies operation by consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate controls or manual interventions into a single automated system that manages all operations through programmed logic.
4Manufacturing precision
If automated tamping and closing systems are used, then manufacturing precision and productivity improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging mechanism is segmented into a tamping system for material compression and a closing system for sealing, each with its own actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently while maintaining overall coordination through the control system, achieving standardized packaging precision without requiring a monolithic complex mechanism that would be difficult to design and maintain.
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 system efficiently determines the weight of material in each paper roll, enabling users to produce standardized, prepackaged products quickly and accurately, reducing manual effort and increasing productivity.
Implementation Method 1
The weighing machine may include a plurality of load cells arranged in a row, such that the conically shaped paper rolls are removeably received by the openings disposed in the tray are aligned with the load cells, such that each load cell is capable of being individually activated
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for an automated paper cone weighing machine are disclosed. A paper cone weighing machine may comprise a plurality of load cells arranged in a row, each load cell for weighing a material contained in a respective conically shaped paper roll of the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls.