Weighing Apparatus Sorting Chute Position Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing weighing apparatus requires a wide space for installation due to the external positioning of the sorting chute and drive unit, which limits its compactness.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a sorting chute that can be selectively positioned between two configurations by a drive unit, allowing it to be moved upward to switch between discharging articles either into or outside the discharge chute, thereby reducing the required installation space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sorting chute is disposed outside the discharge chute in the width direction, then the article can be guided to the discharge chute, but the weighing apparatus requires a wide space for installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearticle guidanceVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sorting chute is made movable by a drive unit, allowing it to switch between a first position (inside the discharge chute) and a second position (outside the discharge chute). This dynamic positioning enables the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between article guidance requirements and space constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sorting chute moves in the width direction to switch between positions inside and outside the discharge chute. By utilizing the width dimension for positioning, the system achieves flexible article guidance while optimizing the overall space utilization of the apparatus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the drive unit is disposed outside the sorting chute, then the sorting chute can be moved to switch positions, but the weighing apparatus requires a wide space for installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting chute position switchingVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The drive unit and sorting chute are integrated into a compact arrangement where the drive unit is positioned adjacent to the sorting chute. This merging of components allows the sorting chute to be moved for position switching while minimizing the overall space required for the apparatus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3882587B1Weighing apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 ISHIDA CO LTD
  • EP3882587B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3882587B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3882587B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A weighing apparatus (1) includes: a weighing hopper (5) that temporarily receives an article in order to weigh the article and sorts and discharges the article weighed in either a first direction (FD) or a second direction (SD); a booster hopper (6); a sorting chute (7); a discharge chute (9); and a drive unit (8). The sorting chute (7): discharges, at a first position, the article discharged in the second direction (SD) to the discharge chute (9), and discharges, at a second position, the article discharged in the second direction (SD), outside the discharge chute (9). The drive unit (8) moves the sorting chute (7) upward to selectively switch the position of the sorting chute (7) between the first position and the second position.