Weighing Bucket with Segmented Actuator for Independent Flap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-head weighing machines with independently opening flaps require specialized weighing heads and multiple actuators, limiting operational flexibility and increasing costs due to the need for dedicated actuation systems, making them incompatible with standard weighing heads and reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A bucket design for weighing heads with a first and second flap that can be independently moved between opening and closing configurations using a single actuating element, compatible with standard weighing heads, allowing selective product release into different conveyor stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If independent driving of the two flaps is implemented, then selective product release capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring two separate actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuator is segmented into two independent abutment portions (first abutment portion and second abutment portion) that can selectively actuate the first linkage and second linkage independently. This segmentation allows one actuator to perform functions previously requiring two actuators, enabling selective flap opening while reducing component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is made dynamically positionable between at least one actuating position and at least one resting position, with the ability to selectively engage different abutment portions. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to transition between different operational modes (single flap opening, dual flap opening, or closed) without requiring multiple actuators.
2Ease of operation
If specialized weighing heads with dedicated actuators are used, then independent flap control is improved, but operational flexibility is reduced due to incompatibility with standard weighing heads
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket is designed with universal compatibility with standard weighing heads while providing independent flap control capability. The single actuator with multiple abutment portions can be integrated into existing weighing head structures, making the system adaptable to different conveyor configurations (single conveyor or dual concentric conveyors) without requiring specialized weighing head modifications.
3Ease of operation
If multiple actuators and dedicated feeding means are adopted, then independent flap driving is improved, but operating costs increase and operating efficiency reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The first linkage and second linkage are merged into a single integrated linkage system that can be actuated by one actuator through the abutment portions. This merging reduces the total number of movable parts and actuators, thereby reducing operating costs and improving operating efficiency while maintaining the capability for independent flap control.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A bucket (10) for a weighing head, in particular for a weighing head of a multi-head weighing machine, comprising a containment body (11) defining a containment volume (V) for containing at least one product. The bucket (10) comprises a first flap (12) and a second flap (13) mutually movable between a respective closing configuration, in which they at least partially occlude a lower opening (A2) of the containment body (11), and a respective opening configuration, in which they allow the passage of at least one product from the lower opening (A2). Furthermore, the bucket (10) comprises driving means (14) activatable on the first flap (12) and the second flap (13) to move them between the closing configuration and the opening configuration. The driving means (14) comprises a first linkage (15) and a second linkage (16) that are connected respectively to the first flap (12) and to the second flap (13) to move them in a mutually independent manner. Furthermore, the driving means (14) comprises a first abutment portion (17) and a second abutment portion (18), operatively connected to the first linkage (15) and to the second linkage (16) respectively, which can be selectively activatable by an actuating element of a weighing head for driving the first linkage (15) and/or the second linkage (16).