Combination Weigher Collecting Chute Gap Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional collecting chute in combination weighers has gaps between its sections, causing objects to get stuck and leading to sanitation issues and inefficient discharge, as bacteria and germs can accumulate, and the objects become deficient in quantity.
Innovation Solution
The collecting chute is designed with first and second chute members that are firmly coupled to the inner and outer funnel sections, eliminating gaps and ensuring smooth passage of objects through the discharge paths, with a tubular lower chute for secure attachment and easy assembly/disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the collecting chute is designed with separate inner funnel and outer funnel sections that are joined together, then the structure allows for assembly and disassembly, but gaps are created at the joint surfaces causing objects to get stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inner funnel and outer funnel sections into a single integrated funnel structure, eliminating the joint surfaces that create gaps. This unified design ensures smooth discharge of objects without them getting stuck at connection points, while still maintaining the ability to be removed as one unit from the weighing hopper assembly.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the collecting chute sections are separated to allow cleaning access, then sanitation is improved, but objects may get stuck in gaps between sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the collecting chute into distinct inner funnel and outer funnel portions that can be separated from the weighing hopper assembly, enabling easy access for cleaning. However, within each section, the design maintains smooth, gap-free surfaces to prevent object accumulation, balancing sanitation needs with complete discharge.
3Ease of manufacture
If joint surfaces are provided between funnel sections for assembly, then ease of assembly is improved, but gaps are created where objects can get stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inner and outer funnel sections into a single molded piece, eliminating the need for joint surfaces and connection elements. This unified structure provides gap-free surface continuity that prevents objects from getting stuck, while the entire assembly can still be easily installed and removed from the weighing hopper as one component.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a collecting chute of a combination weigher which has three discharge paths and is capable of discharging objects such that the objects do not get stuck in the middle of the discharge paths. The collecting chute of the combination weigher includes a funnel-shaped inner funnel which collects and discharges the objects discharged in an inward direction from a plurality of hoppers arranged in a circular shape, a right outer funnel (9a) which collects and discharges the objects in an outward direction from the hoppers in a right group, and a left outer funnel (9b) which collects and discharges the objects in an outward direction from the hoppers in a left group, and a right chute member (7a) in which an edge of the right outer funnel (9a) is firmly coupled to an outer surface of a right inner funnel section (8a) constituting the inner funnel and a left chute member (7b) in which an edge of the left outer funnel (9b) is firmly coupled to an outer surface of a left inner section (8b) constituting the inner funnel are removably mounted to a mount frame (11) which is a chute support member.