Combination Weighing Device with Memory Hoppers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing combination weighing apparatus faces challenges in increasing weighing accuracy without increasing the number of weighing hoppers, as this leads to larger apparatus sizes, reduced processing speed, and potential product mixing due to increased string-out length and reduced product window.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves incorporating memory hoppers or double-chamber weighing hoppers into the apparatus, allowing for more measured weight values without increasing the number of weighing hoppers, and strategically arranging units to prevent interference and maintain compact size, thereby enhancing weighing accuracy and processing speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of weighing hoppers is increased to improve weighing accuracy, then the apparatus size increases, but this leads to larger apparatus sizes, reduced processing speed, and potential product mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the weighing system into multiple independent weighing hoppers (first weighing hopper, second weighing hopper, etc.) each capable of holding and weighing objects separately. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high weighing accuracy through multiple measurement points while maintaining compact size by organizing hoppers in a distributed arrangement around a central axis, avoiding the need for a single large apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane hopper arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where weighing hoppers are arranged vertically and radially around a central axis. The first weighing hopper and second weighing hopper are positioned at different heights and angular positions, utilizing vertical and radial dimensions to accommodate multiple weighing chambers without increasing the horizontal footprint, thus maintaining compact apparatus size while improving weighing accuracy
2Measurement precision
If the number of weighing hoppers is increased to improve weighing accuracy, then the apparatus size increases, but this leads to reduced processing speed due to increased string-out length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the weighing function across multiple independent hoppers positioned at different locations around the central axis. Each hopper can operate independently to weigh objects, and the controller coordinates their operation to minimize the time objects spend in the weighing system. This segmentation allows parallel weighing operations that reduce total processing time while maintaining high accuracy through multiple measurement points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous operation by allowing multiple weighing hoppers to operate in sequence or parallel without interruption. While one hopper is weighing objects, others can be preparing or discharging, ensuring that the weighing process continues without idle time. This continuous action minimizes the string-out length effect and maintains high processing speed despite the increased number of weighing components
3Measurement precision
If the number of weighing hoppers is increased to improve weighing accuracy, then the apparatus size increases, but this leads to potential product mixing due to increased string-out length and reduced product window
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the product flow path into separate segments for each weighing hopper, with physical barriers and controlled discharge paths preventing mixing between hoppers. Each hopper has its own discharge mechanism that can be independently controlled, ensuring that objects in different hoppers remain separated even as they move through the weighing system. This segmentation maintains product purity while enabling multiple simultaneous weighing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces controlled discharge mechanisms and transfer paths as intermediaries between the weighing hoppers and the final discharge point. These intermediaries (such as controlled gates, transfer chutes, or timing mechanisms) regulate the flow of objects from each hopper, preventing premature mixing while ensuring smooth transition to the discharge point. This intermediary control maintains product separation and prevents mixing despite the complex multi-hopper configuration
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 increases the number of measured weight values while maintaining a compact apparatus size, improving weighing accuracy and preventing product mixing, thus enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the combination weighing apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
the weight of the objects supplied to that weighing chamber can be detected, based on a difference between detection values of the weighing sensors which are obtained before and after the objects are supplied to the weighing chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A combination weighing apparatus including a plurality of units arranged to form a circumference in a horizontal direction, wherein the plurality of units include weighing hoppers, respectively, each of which holds, weighs and discharges the object, and each of the plurality of units is a small unit or a large unit, the combination weighing apparatus comprising: at least one small unit and at least one large unit, wherein the combination weighing apparatus meets at least one of the following two conditions (A) and (B): condition (A) in which each of the weighing hoppers is a single-chamber weighing hopper or a double-chamber weighing hopper, the small unit includes the single-chamber weighing hopper and does not include the double-chamber weighing hopper, and the large unit includes the double-chamber weighing hopper and does not include the single-chamber weighing hopper, and condition (B) in which some of the plurality of units include memory hoppers each of which is disposed below the weighing hopper, holds the objects discharged from the weighing hopper and discharges the objects, the small unit does not include the memory hopper, and the large unit includes the memory hopper.