Combination Weigher Feeder Jam Control via Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination weighing devices face issues with articles blocking or jamming in the transport passage, leading to unreliable operation and the need for manual intervention to clear jams, especially when dealing with long or thin items that can cause false detection and suspension of upstream supply feeders.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a combination weighing device with at least two linear feeders and a controller that uses upstream and downstream article detectors to continuously drive the upstream feeder until an article is detected, and employs increased vibration strength to clear jams, while also addressing false detection by reinitiating transport when articles are stuck, thus automating the process and reducing operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the retaining hopper is designed to have a greater capacity to retain more articles, then the device can operate automatically for longer periods without manual resupply, but articles may block or jam at the supply port or become stuck together in the retaining hopper
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vibration to the retaining hopper to prevent articles from blocking the supply port or becoming stuck together. The vibration mechanism agitates the articles in the retaining hopper, ensuring they remain loose and can flow freely to the supply port, thereby maintaining reliable transport operation over extended automatic operation periods.
2Measurement precision
If the upstream supply feeder operation is suspended upon detecting articles at the downstream feeder, then false detection is avoided, but normal article transport may be interrupted when articles are actually stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses article detectors at both upstream and downstream positions to provide feedback about article presence. The controller monitors detection signals from both detectors and uses this feedback to determine whether to suspend or continue feeder operation. This feedback mechanism allows the system to distinguish between articles that have been successfully transported and those that are stuck, maintaining both detection accuracy and transport productivity.
3Reliability
If manual intervention is required to clear jams, then transport reliability can be restored, but operator workload increases and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the system automatically detects jams through the article detector and activates the vibration mechanism to clear the obstruction. When the detector signals a jam condition, the controller automatically activates vibration of the retaining hopper or feeder to dislodge stuck articles, restoring transport reliability without requiring manual operator intervention.
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 solution ensures continuous and reliable article transport by automatically clearing jams and false detection issues, allowing the device to operate unmanned for extended periods without manual intervention, maintaining efficient operation even with diverse article types.
Implementation Method 1
at least two linear feeders including an upstream linear feeder and a downstream linear feeder which are disposed to transport an article from an upstream side to a downstream side in a direction of transport
Implementation Method 2
the articles may be immovably stuck together in the retaining hopper... the upstream linear feeder to operate by an increased vibration strength
Data Source
AI summary
When there is currently no article at an upstream end of a trough of a downstream linear feeder, an upstream linear feeder is driven to operate until any article detected by an upstream article detector. In case no article is still detectable by the upstream article sensor when a predetermined period of time is passed after the upstream linear feeder starts to be driven, the upstream linear feeder is driven to operate by an increased vibration strength based on the assumption that an article(s) is being jammed or articles are being stuck together on an upstream side of the upstream linear feeder.