Rectangular Weighing Hopper Four-Point Suspension Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing three-point support structure for weighing hoppers with a rectangular shape is unstable due to uneven loads and height of the center of gravity, leading to inaccurate and time-consuming weighing processes.
Innovation Solution
A four-point support structure is implemented, where the weighing hopper is suspended from four load cells located near the corner portions, utilizing shaft-like load application sections and rotatable members to absorb impacts and stabilize the hopper quickly, reducing pivot motion and maintaining balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a three-point support structure is used to suspend the weighing hopper, then the structure is simpler and uses fewer load cells, but the weighing hopper becomes unstable and cannot be stabilized when objects are dropped outside the triangular support area
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into four separate suspension points arranged in a rectangular pattern, with each point independently supporting the hopper body. This segmentation allows the hopper to be stabilized from multiple directions, preventing excessive swinging when objects are dropped at various locations within the hopper.
Solution Approach 2:
The four suspension points are positioned asymmetrically relative to the hopper's center of gravity, which is intentionally located lower than the suspension points. This asymmetric arrangement creates a stable configuration where the hopper naturally returns to a horizontal position after being disturbed by dropped objects.
2Ease of operation
If the center of gravity of the weighing hopper is positioned higher, then the hopper is easier to lift and maneuver, but the effects of uneven loads increase significantly causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper body is designed with a tubular structure that positions the center of gravity lower than the suspension points, creating a counterbalancing effect. This low center of gravity acts as a natural stabilizer, causing the hopper to automatically return to a horizontal position when subjected to uneven loads from dropped objects, thereby maintaining weighing accuracy.
3Productivity
If objects are dropped quickly into the weighing hopper to increase productivity, then more objects can be weighed per unit time, but the hopper swings greatly and cannot be stabilized
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper is pre-configured with four suspension points and a low center of gravity design before operation begins. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when objects are dropped quickly during high-speed operation, the hopper is already positioned to minimize swinging and can be rapidly stabilized, maintaining both productivity and weighing reliability.
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 enhances stability and accuracy while reducing the time required for weighing, minimizing the effects of uneven loads and center of gravity, allowing for efficient and precise weight measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the first member is mounted to the load application section of the load cell via a first ball bearing fitted to the first hole such that the first member is rotatable relative to the load application section; and the second member is mounted to the first member via a second ball bearing fitted to the second hole of the first member such that the second member is rotatable relative to the first member
Data Source
AI summary
A packer scale comprises a weighing hopper which is supplied with objects dropped from above, holds the objects for a specified period and discharges the objects downward; first to fourth load cells having shaft-like load application sections, respectively; and first to fourth suspending units which suspend the weighing hopper such that the weighing hopper is mounted to the load application sections of the first to fourth load cells; the weighing hopper includes a hopper body having a tubular shape with a rectangular cross-section, in a plan view; and the first to fourth suspending units are mounted to an upper portion of the hopper body, in locations which are in the vicinity of corner portions of the tubular shape.