Refill Station Scale for Dispenser Can Weight Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refill stations lack precision in refilling dispenser cans, leading to potential overfilling or underfilling, which can result in safety hazards and inefficiencies, as they rely on imprecise flow measurements rather than actual weight determination to determine the filling level.
Innovation Solution
A refill station equipped with a scale that captures weight information of the dispenser can before and during the refill process, allowing the control unit to accurately control the refill based on this data, thereby preventing overfilling and underfilling by determining the actual degree of filling and adjusting the refill process accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If flow measurement is used to determine filling level, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to overfilling or underfilling risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical flow measurement system with an electronic weighing system. The scale measures the actual weight of the dispenser can during refilling, and the control unit calculates the filling level based on weight information, eliminating the need for complex flow measurement mechanisms while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the scale continuously monitors the weight of the dispenser can during refilling, and the control unit adjusts the refilling process based on the captured weight information to achieve precise filling levels and prevent overfilling or underfilling.
2Manufacturing precision
If weight-based measurement is implemented, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional scale and control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device serves multiple functions: it mechanically holds the dispenser can, provides fluidic connection for refilling, and acts as a platform for the scale to measure weight. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components and integrates the measurement system into the existing refilling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes weight information from the scale and translates it into control signals for the refilling process. This mediator coordinates between the simple scale and the complex refilling mechanism, managing the increased system complexity through centralized intelligence.
3Reliability
If precise weight-based control is used, then the reliability improves by preventing overfilling and underfilling, but the loss of time increases due to additional weighing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The scale measures the weight of the dispenser can continuously during the refilling process rather than requiring separate pre-refill and post-refill weighing steps. This continuous measurement allows the refilling process to proceed without interruption, maintaining reliability while minimizing additional time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale is positioned to capture the initial weight of the dispenser can before refilling begins, allowing the control unit to pre-calculate the target weight and required filling amount. This preliminary measurement enables more efficient refilling execution and reduces the time needed for post-refill verification.
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 ensures precise and safe refilling of dispenser cans by accurately determining the filling level, preventing overfilling risks and ensuring user convenience with high operational safety and reduced unnecessary refill intervals.
Implementation Method 1
a scale for capturing a weight information which is related to the dispenser can at the receiving device prior to a refill process and/or during a refill process
Data Source
AI summary
Refill station comprising a receiving device for receiving a dispenser can which is to be refilled with an active substance, a scale for capturing a weight information which is related to the dispenser can at the receiving device prior to a refill process and/or during a refill process, and a control unit which is configured for controlling a refill of the dispenser can with the active substance based on the determined weight information.