Slide Measuring System for Consistent Granular Pouch Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to consistently and accurately measure granular materials like smokeless tobacco for packaging in pouches, particularly due to issues with material consistency and clumping, which affects the weight control of pouches produced by pouch making machines.
Innovation Solution
A system is employed that includes a hopper, sifter, and a measuring system with a tube that moves between positions to transfer granular material to a pouch making machine using vacuum and pressurized gas, ensuring precise measurement and consistent filling of pouches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If granular material is fed directly to pouch making machine, then feeding is simple, but measurement precision and weight control are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the granular material handling into distinct stages: bulk storage in hopper, precise measurement in measuring cup, and controlled dispensing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving measurement precision while keeping the overall system manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring cup acts as an intermediary device between the hopper and pouch making machine. It receives granular material from the hopper, accurately measures the required amount, and then dispenses it to the pouch making machine, thereby achieving precise measurement without requiring the machine itself to be complex.
2Manufacturing precision
If tube moves between positions for filling, then measurement accuracy improves, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically position itself between the measuring cup and pouch making machine. This dynamic positioning enables precise control of material flow and pouch filling while the automated movement reduces manual intervention complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses vacuum and pressure sources to control the movement of granular material through the tube. By applying vacuum to draw material into the measuring cup and then using pressure to dispense it, the system achieves precise weight control without complex mechanical handling mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If vacuum and pressure sources are used for material transfer, then material consistency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum and pressure sources operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously. Vacuum is applied briefly to fill the measuring cup, then pressure is applied briefly to dispense the material. This periodic operation achieves consistent material transfer while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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
The system achieves accurate and consistent measurement of granular material, allowing for precise control of pouch weights and improving the operation of pouch making machines by ensuring uniformity in pouch content.
Implementation Method 1
The measuring system is structured and arranged to move the portion of the granular material from the hopper cavity to the measuring cavity when the tube is in the first position
Implementation Method 2
move the portion of the granular material from the hopper cavity to the measuring cavity
Implementation Method 3
The measuring system is structured and arranged to move the portion of the granular material from the measuring cavity to a pouch making machine using pressurized gas when the tube is in the second position
Implementation Method 4
move the portion of the granular material from the measuring cavity to a pouch making machine using pressurized gas
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for metering a granular material for packaging in pouches are disclosed. A system includes a hopper structured and arranged to hold a granular material in a hopper cavity. The system also includes a measuring system including a measuring cavity and a tube that is slidable in the hopper cavity between a first position unaligned with the measuring cavity and a second position over and aligned with the measuring cavity. The measuring system is structured and arranged to move a portion of the granular material from the hopper cavity to the measuring cavity when the tube is in the first position. The measuring system is structured and arranged to move the portion of the granular material from the measuring cavity to a pouch making machine using pressurized gas when the tube is in the second position.