Weighing Device Dynamic Feeding Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weighing devices face challenges in smoothly supplying articles to hoppers due to variations in article type or shape, often resulting in articles hanging down from the conveyance end and not reaching the hopper, requiring increased driving periods which can lead to over-supply.
Innovation Solution
A weighing device equipped with a detection unit to differentiate between normal and exceptional conditions, adjusting the conveyance unit's driving period based on article detection, using a screw feeder with a photoelectric sensor to ensure appropriate article supply, and incorporating multiple hoppers for efficient discharge and re-starting the conveyance unit as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driving period of the conveyance unit is increased to ensure articles reach the hopper, then the reliability of article supply is improved, but the quantity of articles supplied increases beyond the appropriate amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the driving period of the conveyance unit variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the driving period based on detection unit feedback - using a first period when articles are detected hanging down and a second period (longer than normal) when articles are not detected, thereby adapting the supply quantity to actual needs and preventing over-supply while ensuring reliable delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the detection unit monitors whether articles are hanging down from the conveyance end, and this detection information is fed back to the control unit which then adjusts the driving period accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically regulate article supply quantity based on actual conveyance conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and quantity control
2Reliability
If the driving period is extended to accommodate articles that hang down, then the article can be securely supplied to the hopper, but a larger amount of articles is supplied in accordance with the increased period
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the driving period based on real-time detection of article hanging conditions. When the detection unit identifies articles hanging down, the control unit extends the driving period to the first period to ensure secure delivery. When no articles are hanging, it uses the shorter second period to prevent over-supply. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the extended period conditional rather than constant
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the time parameter (driving period) based on detection results. By switching between a first period (longer) and a second period (shorter) according to whether articles are detected hanging down, the system optimizes both delivery security and supply quantity control, avoiding the permanent over-supply that would result from a constantly extended period
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
Enables smooth and appropriate supply of articles to hoppers by adjusting the driving period of the conveyance unit based on article detection, ensuring secure and efficient delivery, with the option to set different periods for various article types and prioritizing feeding by considering hopper holding situations.
Implementation Method 1
The detection unit may be a photoelectric sensor configured to emit light to a position below the downstream end of the radiation trough on the hopper
Implementation Method 2
the conveyance unit may have a screw feeder configured to include a screw constituted of a linear member. The control unit may control a rotation operation of the screw of the screw feeder
Data Source
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AI summary
A weighing device (1) includes a conveyance unit (3) which conveys an article, a hopper (5) which receives the article conveyed by the conveyance unit, temporarily holds the article, and then discharges the article downstream, a detection unit (S) which detects the article between a conveyance end of the conveyance unit and the hopper, and a control unit (20) which controls driving of the conveyance unit. When the detection unit (S) does not detect the article at a start of driving of the conveyance unit, the control unit (20) drives the conveyance unit for a first period (T1). When the detection unit (S) detects the article at a start of driving of the conveyance unit, the control unit (20) drives the conveyance unit for a second period (T2) longer than the first period (T1).