Weighing Elongate Containers via Rotating Support Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weighing devices struggle to accurately weigh elongate containers with small bases, as they tend to tip over during short and rapid transfers, leading to potential interference and breakage, and require halting the conveyor line for weighing, which compromises efficiency and cleanliness.
Innovation Solution
A device with laterally arranged weighing means and a support member that imparts a translating and rotating motion to containers, allowing them to be weighed in an inclined position, stabilizing them on their bottom and lateral surface, thus preventing tipping and enabling continuous conveyor line operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If containers are transferred rapidly to minimize weighing time, then productivity is improved, but elongate containers with small bases tip over and fall
Solution Approach 1:
The support member rotates from a horizontal receiving position to a vertical weighing position, changing the spatial orientation of container support from horizontal to vertical. This dimensional change allows containers to be supported by their bottom surface during transfer, preventing tipping while enabling rapid positioning for weighing
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary between the conveyor line and weighing means, providing a stable rotating platform that transitions containers from horizontal transport to vertical weighing position. This intermediary mechanism ensures container stability during the transition while enabling rapid positioning
2Loss of time
If weighing means are positioned close to the conveyor line for rapid weighing, then weighing time is reduced, but containers interfere with mechanical parts during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The support member rotates containers from horizontal to vertical orientation, changing the spatial dimension of container placement. This allows containers to be positioned clear of moving mechanical parts during transfer while maintaining close proximity to the conveyor line for efficient operation
3Measurement precision
If the conveyor line is halted for weighing operations, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support member dynamically rotates between horizontal and vertical positions, enabling containers to be quickly transferred to and from the weighing station without halting the conveyor line. This dynamic positioning allows continuous operation while maintaining accurate weighing measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor line operates continuously while the support member handles container transfer and positioning. The rotating support member enables uninterrupted container flow while allowing precise weighing measurements to be taken during the vertical positioning phase
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1 ) for weighing elongate containers (5) supplied along a conveyor line (4) comprises: weighing means (2); a support member (6) suitable for restingly receiving at least a container (5); a first articulated system (7) and a second articulated system (12); the apparatus (1 ) being configured such as to impart, by means of the first articulated system (7) and the second articulated system (12), a translating and rotating motion to the support member (6) such as to transfer the containers (5) from a first position (K1), in which the support member (6) is arranged at the conveyor line (4) such as to receive therefrom the containers (5) to be weighed, and a second position (K2) in which the support member (6) engages with the weighing means (2) such as to enable the containers (5) to be weighed in an inclined position, and vice versa.