Rotating Hopper Link Apparatus for High-Speed Packaging Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weighing and packaging systems face difficulties in supplying objects from a weighing machine with a fixed discharge outlet to packaging machines that convey package bags at high speeds, either in a circular or straight-line configuration, due to overlapping movement of measuring cups and feeding funnels.
Innovation Solution
A link apparatus comprising multiple hopper groups and conveyor means with rotatable arms, allowing hopper groups to be conveyed along a revolving path, where they can slow down or stop in areas where objects are discharged into hoppers and speed up to align with moving package bags, ensuring efficient object transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the packaging machine conveys package bags at high speed, then productivity is improved, but it becomes difficult to supply objects from a weighing machine with a fixed discharge outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper group is made movable and rotatable, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and speed. The hopper group can rotate to different angular positions and move radially inward/outward, enabling synchronization with high-speed conveyed package bags while maintaining proper alignment with the fixed discharge outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The hopper group acts as an intermediary between the fixed discharge outlet and the moving package bags. It receives objects from the fixed discharge outlet and transfers them to the conveyed package bags, bridging the mismatch between stationary discharge and high-speed linear conveyance.
2Ease of operation
If the hopper group is stationary to receive objects from the fixed discharge outlet, then object supply is simplified, but it cannot synchronize with high-speed moving package bags
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper group transitions from a stationary configuration to a dynamic one, capable of rotation and radial movement. This allows it to maintain a stationary receiving position relative to the discharge outlet while simultaneously achieving the speed and position necessary to synchronize with conveyed package bags.
Solution Approach 2:
The object transfer process is divided into distinct phases: receiving phase (hopper stationary relative to discharge outlet), transfer phase (hopper moves and rotates), and discharge phase (hopper positions objects onto package bags). This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently.
3Ease of operation
If the conveying path is linear to match package bag movement, then object transfer is simplified, but it cannot accommodate a fixed discharge outlet position
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying path is configured as a circular arc rather than a straight line. The hopper group rotates along a circular path, with the discharge outlet positioned at the center of rotation. This curved configuration naturally accommodates the fixed discharge outlet while enabling synchronization with linearly conveyed package bags through radial movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a radial dimension to the conveying mechanism. Instead of only linear movement parallel to package bag conveyance, the hopper group can move radially inward and outward from the circular path, providing an additional degree of freedom to synchronize with package bags at different positions.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A link apparatus is provided, capable of supplying objects to be weighed which have been discharged from a weighing machine to package bags being conveyed successively at a high speed. A link apparatus (30) of the present invention comprises plural hopper groups each including n hoppers (33); and plural arms (31, 32) which are each configured to convey an associated hopper group along a revolving path including a first area (Fs) where the objects to be weighed are supplied to the hopper group and a second area (Fd) under which package bags (P3) are conveyed successively. The arms (31, 32) respectively convey the hopper groups such that the hopper groups are repeatedly conveyed from the first area to the second area in a predetermined order, the n hoppers sequentially conveyed to the second area are respectively located above the n package bags sequentially conveyed to a region under the second area; the hoppers are respectively located above the package bags in the second area, and the hopper groups are stopped in the first area. The hopper groups discharge the objects to be weighed, when the hopper groups are conveyed in the second area.