Single-Scale Container Weighing for Sequential Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container weighing systems in processing lines suffer from complexity, measurement errors, increased process times, and reduced productivity due to the use of multiple weighing elements and inefficient container handling, particularly in sectors requiring precise dosages like pharmaceuticals.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a single scale with multiple positioning seatings for simultaneous weighing of multiple containers, followed by sequential filling and weighing to minimize movements and errors, using a support plate and extraction gripper to handle multiple containers efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple weighing elements are used to weigh each container individually, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and processing time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweighing accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple weighing operations into a single weighing element by accumulating containers on one scale. The system weighs containers sequentially as they are deposited on the scale, accumulating the total weight and calculating individual container weights by subtraction, thereby eliminating the need for multiple weighing elements while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single weighing element (scale) performs multiple functions: it weighs each container individually, accumulates total weight, and enables calculation of individual container weights through sequential measurement and subtraction. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated weighing elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple weighing elements are used for individual container weighing, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweighing accuracyVSAvoidprocess time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The weighing operation continues without interruption as containers are deposited on the scale. The scale continuously measures the accumulated weight, and the system calculates individual container weights in real-time through sequential subtraction, eliminating the need to stop for separate weighing operations and thereby reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary weighing of containers as they are deposited on the scale before filling operations begin. By accumulating weight measurements and calculating individual container weights in advance, the system prepares all necessary data before the filling sequence starts, streamlining the overall process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If containers are handled individually through multiple movements between weighing and filling stations, then weighing accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweighing accuracyVSAvoidprocessing throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the weighing station and filling station into a single integrated station. Containers are weighed and then filled in sequence at the same location without being moved to a separate filling station, thereby maintaining weighing accuracy while eliminating unnecessary movements and increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The scale serves as an intermediary platform that enables both weighing and filling operations at the same station. By positioning the scale at the filling station and using it to hold containers during both operations, the system eliminates the need for separate weighing and filling stations, reducing movements while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If containers are moved frequently between stations, then weighing and filling operations can be separated, but energy consumption increases and wear on motorization units increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the filling operation from a separate filling station and integrates it into the weighing station. By removing the need for a dedicated filling station and its associated movements, the system reduces energy consumption and wear on motorization units while maintaining operational reliability through the integrated process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12429372B2Method to weigh containers

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 IMA IND MASCH AUTOMATICHE SPA

AI summary

Method to weigh containers (C) in a processing line (10) that comprises a station (12) for filling and weighing said containers (C), said method providing to simultaneously pick up a plurality of containers (C) which are initially weighed to determine the tare weight and subsequently filled in a sequential manner, determining the weight of product metered into each container (C).