Combination Weighing Discharge Chute and Timing Hopper Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing combination weighing apparatuses face difficulties in installing two packaging apparatuses due to the obstructive nature of multiple chute outlets, which are often positioned near the center, making it challenging to accommodate both without interference.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a first and second channel with discharge chutes having a slide face sloping towards the center in the horizontal direction, and timing hoppers with outlets positioned further apart, allowing for easier installation of packaging apparatuses by increasing the horizontal distance between chute outlets and timing hopper outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the discharge chute has a slide face coming closer to the center in the horizontal direction as downward in the vertical direction, then the time required for articles to gather is shortened, but the plurality of chute outlets is disposed near the center making it difficult to install two packaging apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge system is segmented into two functional parts: the discharge chute with slide face for rapid article gathering, and the timing hopper with outlet for packaging apparatus installation. This segmentation allows the chute outlets to be positioned near the center for efficient gathering while the timing hopper outlets can be positioned farther apart for packaging apparatus installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing hopper acts as an intermediary component between the discharge chute and the packaging apparatus. It receives articles from the discharge chute and discharges them to the packaging apparatus, enabling the packaging apparatus to be installed farther from the center while maintaining efficient article flow.
2Productivity
If multiple chute outlets are disposed near the center to shorten article gathering time, then productivity is improved, but the space for installing packaging apparatuses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a direct discharge-to-packaging arrangement to a two-stage process involving the timing hopper. This dimensional change in the discharge path allows chute outlets to be positioned near the center for efficient gathering while the timing hopper outlets can be positioned to accommodate packaging apparatus installation space.
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 configuration enables the easy installation of two packaging apparatuses by reducing interference and shortening the time required for articles to gather at the timing hopper, while maintaining efficient article processing and weighing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a slide face sloping toward a center in a horizontal direction of the combination weighing apparatus as downward in a vertical direction
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A combination weighing apparatus (1) includes: a first channel (CH1) for processing of articles; and a second channel (CH2) for processing of articles. The combination weighing apparatus (1) includes a discharge chute (60) and a timing hopper (70). The discharge chute (60) has: a slide face (65) sloping toward a center in a horizontal direction (X) of the combination weighing apparatus (1) as downward in a vertical direction (Z); and a chute outlet (66) through which the articles are discharged. A distance in the horizontal direction (X) between a center of the outlet (72a) in the first channel (CH1) and a center of the outlet (72a) in the second channel (CH2) is longer than a distance in the horizontal direction (X) between a center of the chute outlet (66) in the first channel (CH1) and a center of the chute outlet (66) in the second channel (CH2).