Poultry Weighing Bridge with Multi-Load Cell Averaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weighing apparatus in meat processing systems face challenges in maintaining accuracy and reliability as processing speeds increase, limiting the operational speed of meat processing lines.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a weighing bridge with multiple load cells and an adjustable weighing wheel assembly that allows for increased weighing time and reduced sensitivity to vibrations, using a support column filled with heavy material to stabilize the system, and varying hook unit spacing to optimize weighing accuracy at higher conveyor speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conveyor speed is increased to improve productivity, then the output per unit time increases, but the accuracy and reliability of weight measurements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing platform is divided into multiple segments with individual load cells, allowing the system to capture multiple weight measurements as poultry items pass over different segments. This segmentation enables averaging of multiple readings to compensate for vibrations and speed variations, maintaining measurement accuracy at higher conveyor speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs periodic weight measurements as poultry items pass over each segment of the weighing platform. By taking multiple periodic readings during the item's traversal and calculating an average, the system mitigates the impact of vibrations and speed fluctuations, enabling accurate measurements even at increased conveyor speeds.
2Productivity
If the conveyor speed is increased to improve productivity, then the processing capacity increases, but the reliability of weighing apparatus deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple load cell measurements from different segments are merged and averaged to produce a single reliable weight value. This combining of multiple independent measurements increases the reliability of the weighing system, allowing it to maintain consistent performance even at higher conveyor speeds where individual measurements might be more susceptible to vibrations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple load cells are used to improve measurement accuracy, then the weighing precision increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple load cells serve dual functions: they individually measure weight as poultry items pass over each segment, and collectively provide multiple readings for averaging to improve precision. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity, as the same components enhance both measurement capability and accuracy through their redundant measurement paths.
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
This solution enhances the accuracy and reliability of weight measurements, effectively handling increased conveyor speeds by averaging measurements from multiple load cells to mitigate the effects of low-frequency vibrations, resulting in more precise and stable weight calculations.
Implementation Method 1
first, second, and third load cells (25, 27, 29) for measuring weight of an item of poultry
Implementation Method 2
a support column filled with heavy material to stabilize the system, and varying hook unit spacing to optimize weighing accuracy at higher conveyor speeds
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A method of, as well as an apparatus for, weighing items of poultry, such as poultry or chicken carcasses, in conjunction with meat processing systems (5, 7). The method includes: a first step of providing a weighing bridge (1) having force measuring means (25); a second step of conveying a suspended item of poultry in a predefined path extending over the weighing bridge (1); a third step of transferring substantially the weight of the suspended item of poultry onto the weighing bridge; and a fourth step of reading out values detected by the force measuring means (25) and calculating an actual weight using an average of the detected force values over a predetermined period of time. The method in particular further comprises providing first and second successive load cells (25, 27; 29) in the measuring means and calculating the actual weight as an average of both load cell measurements.