Timing Hopper Vertical Positioning for Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination weighing apparatuses are inconvenient for users to maintain and remove the timing hopper, especially when it is positioned high above the base, as they require climbing a ladder and lack efficient mechanisms for vertical access and removal.
Innovation Solution
A combination weighing apparatus with a support member that moves the timing hopper along a direction intersecting the vertical axis, allowing it to be easily moved between a first mounting position for object retention and a second mounting position for attachment and detachment without changing its fixed state, enabling easier access and removal from the upper side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the timing hopper is positioned high above the base to reduce spatial area, then the apparatus occupies less space, but user maintenance becomes inconvenient requiring ladder access
Solution Approach 1:
The timing hopper is made movable along the vertical direction through a guide groove mechanism. The support member can move vertically within the guide groove, allowing the timing hopper to be dynamically repositioned between a high mounting position (for compact spatial footprint) and a low removal position (for easy user access and maintenance without requiring ladder access)
2Stability of the object's composition
If the timing hopper is fixed at a high position, then the apparatus structure is compact, but removal and maintenance of the timing hopper becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to move vertically along the guide groove, enabling the timing hopper to transition between a stable fixed position during operation and a removable position for maintenance. The guide groove constrains the movement path while allowing vertical displacement, and the engagement structure maintains stability when fixed while permitting controlled removal when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed frame and the movable timing hopper. It provides a constrained path that allows the timing hopper to be moved vertically for removal or repositioning while maintaining proper alignment and engagement with the support structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A combination weighing apparatus includes a timing hopper, a frame, and a support member. The support member is a member attached to the frame and moves a position of the timing hopper between (1) a first mounting position at which the timing hopper receives and retains objects to be weighed and (2) a second mounting position related to attachment and detachment of the timing hopper without changing a fixed state of the timing hopper with respect to the support member. A movement direction in which the timing hopper moves from the first mounting position to the second mounting position intersects a removing direction in which the timing hopper fixed at the predetermined position is removed from the support member.