Segmented Dough Weighing Conveyor for Precision Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dough weighing devices face challenges when dealing with endless dough pieces of unequal weight distributions, as they either require complex conveyor systems prone to filthiness or are sensitive to imperfections in the conveyor belt, leading to inaccurate weight measurements with triangular deformation curves.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple rectangular weighing sections spread across the conveyor width allows for independent weighing of each dough piece, enabling precise weight measurement and adjustment by cutting, and optionally featuring adjustable or configurable weighing sections and cells for various dough shapes, with a processor controlling cutting units based on weight data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate conveyors are used for each dough piece, then weighing precision is improved, but device complexity increases and maintenance difficulty worsens due to more components and filth accumulation in spaces between conveyors
Solution Approach 1:
The single conveyor belt is segmented into multiple independent weighing sections (first weighing section, second weighing section, etc.) that operate simultaneously. Each section can independently weigh different dough pieces, providing multiple measurement channels without requiring separate physical conveyors. This segmentation achieves the precision of multiple conveyors while maintaining a unified, simpler structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional conveyor system to a multi-dimensional weighing arrangement by distributing weighing sections across different positions (width and length dimensions) of the same conveyor belt. This allows simultaneous weighing of multiple dough pieces in parallel lanes, achieving the functionality of multiple conveyors within a single conveyor structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate conveyors are used for each dough piece, then weighing precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to increased maintenance needs from filth accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is divided into multiple weighing sections that can be independently accessed and maintained. Each weighing section has defined entry and exit points, allowing targeted cleaning and maintenance without shutting down the entire system. This segmentation enables easier maintenance compared to multiple separate conveyors while preserving weighing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single conveyor system maintains continuous operation without the interruptions required by multiple separate conveyors. Dough pieces flow continuously through different weighing sections, and maintenance can be performed on individual sections without stopping the entire weighing process, ensuring continuous productive action with reduced maintenance impact.
3Ease of manufacture
If weighing rollers positioned under the conveyor are used, then weighing capability is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to triangular deformation of weight curves and sensitivity to conveyor belt imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning weighing rollers under the conveyor belt (indirect weighing), the invention places weighing sections directly on the conveyor belt surface (direct weighing). Dough pieces are weighed directly as they pass over the weighing sections, inverting the traditional approach. This eliminates the triangular deformation problem and sensitivity to belt imperfections while maintaining ease of implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighing function is extracted from the traditional roller-based indirect measurement system and integrated directly into the conveyor belt structure. By embedding weighing sections within the conveyor belt itself, the system eliminates the intermediate transmission path that causes deformation, achieving both ease of manufacture and high measurement precision.
4Device complexity
If a single conveyor processes all dough pieces, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision worsens when dough pieces have unequal weight distributions due to averaging measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The single conveyor is segmented into multiple independent weighing sections that simultaneously weigh different dough pieces individually. Each section provides separate measurement data without averaging, allowing accurate detection of unequal weight distributions. This segmentation maintains system simplicity while eliminating the averaging problem that plagues single-channel weighing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds dimensional capacity by distributing multiple weighing sections across the conveyor width and length, enabling parallel independent measurements. This dimensional expansion allows the single conveyor to handle varied weight distributions accurately by providing multiple simultaneous measurement channels rather than sequential averaging.
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 provides accurate and flexible weight measurement and cutting of dough pieces, minimizing maintenance needs and reducing the impact of conveyor belt imperfections, enabling precise weight adjustments and efficient processing of dough pieces of varying lengths.
Implementation Method 1
a weighing-unit, arranged under the endless conveyor, wherein the weighing unit comprises multiple weighing rows, spread over the width of the conveyor, each row comprising at least one rectangular weighing section, for independently of the other weighing sections weighing a different dough piece
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for weighing dough, comprising an endless conveyor, for conveying a plurality of endless or continuous dough pieces extending essentially in parallel lanes on said conveyor in a direction of conveyance, a weighing-unit, arranged under the endless conveyor, characterised in that the weighing unit comprises multiple weighing rows, spread over the width of the conveyor, each row comprising at least one rectangular weighing section, for independently of the other weighing sections weighing a different dough piece of said plurality of endless or continuous dough pieces. The invention further relates to a method for operating such device.