Product Dispensing Device with Common Tumbling Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product dispensing devices in packaging machines face limitations in cycle rate and efficiency due to the need to decelerate moving masses before ejection, leading to inefficient and unreliable filling of packaging containers.
Innovation Solution
A product dispensing device with at least two collection containers that perform a tumbling motion, allowing for a three-dimensional pivoting movement without rotation, enabling smoother product transfer and centralized discharge into a product receiving device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional filling scales or combination scales are used with spatially separated weighing containers, then product quantities can be weighed and dispensed, but the product must be fed from spatially separated weighing containers to the filling point, which limits the cycle rate and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple weighing containers (first and second weighing containers) and their product feed devices into a single integrated weighing system with a common support structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate spatially separated weighing containers, allowing product to be fed directly from the weighing containers to the product receiving device without intermediate transfer, thereby increasing the cycle rate and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighing system is designed with multiple weighing containers that can independently weigh and dispense different product quantities to the same product receiving device. This multi-functional design allows the system to handle various product portions and packaging requirements using a single integrated system, improving productivity while maintaining versatility.
2Productivity
If the moving mass of the product dispensing device and product must be decelerated before ejection, then product can be accurately dispensed, but this deceleration process limits the number of product portions transferred per minute
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic reciprocating motion of the product receiving device, which moves back and forth between dispensing positions. This periodic action allows the system to maintain momentum and reduce deceleration time, as the device alternates between moving forward to dispense product and returning to its initial position, thereby increasing the number of product portions that can be transferred per minute.
Solution Approach 2:
The product receiving device is designed with movable support means that enable dynamic reciprocating motion. This dynamic design allows the system to optimize the speed and timing of movement, reducing the time required for deceleration and ejection, thus increasing the overall cycle rate and productivity.
3Ease of operation
If collection containers are used to collect product quantities, then product can be gathered, but the collection containers must be positioned and closed in a specific sequence, which complicates the dispensing process
Solution Approach 1:
The collection containers are designed with closure flaps that automatically close when the container is filled with product. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external closing sequences, as the closure action is triggered automatically by the presence of product, thereby simplifying the dispensing process while ensuring proper sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure flaps are positioned and configured to close automatically as the container is filled, performing the closing action in advance before the container needs to be transported or dispensed. This preliminary action simplifies the overall operation by eliminating the need for separate closing steps and reducing the complexity of the dispensing sequence.
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 design increases cycle efficiency and reliability by allowing for faster and more compact product portioning, with modular and hygienic features suitable for food processing applications.
Implementation Method 1
The collection containers are adapted to perform a common tumbling motion
Implementation Method 2
allowing for a three-dimensional pivoting movement without rotation
Implementation Method 3
the outlet of the corresponding collection container is arranged in the dispensing area above the opening cross-section of a product receiving device
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A product dispensing device (1) according to the invention comprises: at least two product feed devices (2, 2', 2") and respectively associated collecting containers (3, 3', 3"), wherein the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") each have at least one closing device (4, 4', 4") on their underside and are adapted to dispense product quantities (P), wherein the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") are adapted to perform a common tumbling movement, wherein the collecting containers (3, 3', 3") can be brought alternately into a dispensing area (A) by means of the tumbling movement in order to dispense a provided product quantity (P), in which the outlet of that collecting container (3, 3', 3") in the dispensing area (A) is arranged above the opening cross-section of a product receiving device (5) and the corresponding closing device (4, 4', 4") is in the open state.This allows very high clock frequencies to be achieved and allows a compact and reliable transfer of the product portions.