Automated Smokable Product Filling System with Load Cell Weighing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for weighing and filling containers with smokable products are inaccurate, leading to product loss and non-compliance with regulatory requirements, as they rely on manual processes or volume methods that fail to ensure the actual weight is within the predetermined tolerance.

Innovation Solution

A filling system that includes a first and second hopper, a feeder, a bowl feeder, a weigh bucket with a load cell, and a funnel, which enables precise measurement and filling of smokable products within a predetermined tolerance, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual weighing and filling is used, then operation flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision and manufacturing precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation flexibilityVSAvoidweighing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automated feeders (vibratory bowl feeder, linear vibratory feeder) that self-regulate the flow of smokable product to the weigh bucket, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining consistent feeding rates. The load cell automatically compensates for weight variations, and the system self-corrects for product loss during transfer through controlled dispensing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical weighing with an automated electronic weighing system using a load cell that provides digital weight measurements. This substitution enables precise measurement (within ±3% tolerance) while eliminating human error in reading and recording weights, thereby improving measurement precision without sacrificing operational control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If volume method is used for filling, then filling speed increases, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling speedVSAvoidweight accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a load cell that continuously monitors the weight of smokable product in the weigh bucket during the filling process. This real-time feedback allows the system to adjust the feeding rate and dispensing amount dynamically, ensuring that the final filled weight remains within the required ±3% tolerance while maintaining high filling speeds of 20-24 containers per minute.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic control mechanisms where the vibratory feeders and dispensing systems can adjust their operation in real-time based on weight feedback. The system transitions from static volume-based filling to dynamic weight-based filling, allowing continuous optimization of both speed and precision during the filling process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If manual filling is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of substance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidproduct loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a controlled intermediary transfer mechanism (vibratory feeder and weigh bucket system) between the bulk storage and the container filling process. This intermediary system minimizes product loss by controlling the flow and transfer of smokable product, reducing spillage and waste compared to direct manual transfer, while the overall device complexity remains manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 net weight-based filling, reducing product loss and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements by maintaining an accuracy of +/-3% and a throughput of 20-24 containers per minute.

Implementation Method 1

a load cell attached to the weigh bucket for measuring the smokable product in the weigh bucket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20250172426A1Systems and methods for automatically weighing a substance and filling a container with the substance

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 COASTAL COUNTING & IND SCALE CO INC

AI summary

A filling system includes a first hopper for receiving a smokable product, a second hopper for receiving the smokable product, a feeder for receiving the smokable product from the first hopper, a bowl feeder for receiving the smokable product from the second hopper, a weigh bucket for receiving the smokable product from the feeder and the bowl feeder, a load cell attached to the weigh bucket for measuring the smokable product in the weigh bucket, and a funnel for receiving the smokable product from the weigh bucket and feeding the smokable product to a container. The container is configured to receive a predetermined amount of smokable product within a predetermined tolerance of the predetermined amount.