Segmented Dosing Disk for Capsule Filling Volume Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule filling devices face challenges in adjusting dosing volumes for different capsule diameters and lengths, requiring complex height adjustments or complete replacement of the dosing disk, which is costly and affects productivity.
Innovation Solution
A dosing disk with detachable thickness adjustment plates that can be combined to achieve the desired overall thickness and length of dosing openings, allowing for simplified adjustment of dosing volume without replacing the disk or altering its height, using screw connections for easy attachment and ensuring a smooth, gap-free surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the dosing disk is completely replaced to adjust dosing volume, then the dosing volume can be accurately adjusted, but the conversion effort, downtime, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing disk is segmented into a disk base body and detachable thickness adjustment plates. This allows the thickness adjustment function to be separated from the main disk structure, enabling independent replacement of only the thickness adjustment plates rather than the entire dosing disk, thus reducing conversion downtime and cost while maintaining dosing volume accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing disk design transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure by incorporating detachable thickness adjustment plates that can be easily attached and detached. This dynamic design allows for quick reconfiguration of dosing volume without requiring complete disk replacement, improving productivity during volume adjustments
2Manufacturing precision
If the dosing disk height is adjusted to change dosing volume, then the dosing volume can be modified, but the adjustment becomes complex and requires multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment function is segmented into separate, standardized thickness adjustment plates with predetermined thicknesses. Instead of requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms, the system uses discrete plate segments that can be combined in different configurations, simplifying the adjustment mechanism while maintaining dosing volume precision
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the height adjustment problem by adding a new dimension - using multiple thin plates stacked together rather than adjusting a single thick component. This dimensional approach allows for fine-grained height control through combination of multiple thin layers, reducing the complexity of the adjustment mechanism
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple dosing bushings are replaced to change dosing opening diameter, then the dosing opening diameter can be adjusted, but the cost and effort of replacement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thickness adjustment function is merged with the disk base body through detachable attachment, creating an integrated solution that adjusts dosing volume without requiring replacement of the dosing bushings themselves. This merging allows volume adjustment while preserving the existing dosing opening diameters, reducing replacement effort and cost
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a metering disc (1) of a capsule filling device for filling capsules with powder products, and to a capsule filling device with such a metering disc (1). The metering disc (1) has a number of metering openings (2). The metering disc (1) further comprises a disc base body (3) and at least one thickness adjustment plate (4, 4', 4") detachably connected to the disc base body (3). The metering opening (2) extends through the disc base body (3) and the at least one thickness adjustment plate (4, 4', 4"). In a corresponding capsule filling device, the metering disc (1) and, in particular, a stopper ring (9) arranged below the metering disc (1) are mounted in a height-fixed manner.