Weighing Plate for Simultaneous Container Tare Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container weighing methods in processing lines suffer from increased process times, measurement errors, and high energy consumption due to the use of multiple weighing elements and inefficient container handling, particularly in sectors requiring precise dosages like pharmaceuticals.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a single weighing plate with multiple positioning seatings to weigh the tare of a group of containers simultaneously, calculating net weight by measuring the difference between pre- and post-filling weights, reducing the number of weighing operations and movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple weighing elements are used to weigh each container individually, then measurement precision can be maintained for each container, but process time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple weighing operations into a single weighing element by implementing a weighing belt that supports multiple containers simultaneously. The system performs one weighing operation to obtain the tare weight for all containers, then fills them sequentially, and performs another single weighing operation to obtain gross weights. This merging approach maintains measurement precision while dramatically increasing productivity by reducing the number of weighing operations from multiple individual weighings to just two collective weighings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary weighing of all containers together to obtain tare weights before filling. This preliminary action allows the system to store tare weights for each container and use them during the filling process, eliminating the need for individual post-filling tare weighings. This approach maintains precision by having accurate tare values ready while improving productivity by completing the weighing phase before the time-consuming filling operations begin.
2Measurement precision
If multiple weighing operations are performed for each container, then accurate net weight calculation is achieved, but the number of measurements increases leading to accumulated errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all tare weight measurements into a single weighing operation where all containers are weighed together on the weighing belt. This eliminates the propagation of measurement errors that would occur with multiple separate tare weighings. The system then calculates individual net weights by subtracting the stored tare weight from each container's gross weight measurement, maintaining accuracy while reducing the total number of measurements and thus minimizing accumulated errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by storing the tare weight obtained from the initial collective weighing and using it to calculate net weights during the filling process. This feedback mechanism ensures that the same tare value is consistently applied to each container's gross weight measurement, improving reliability by eliminating variations that would arise from performing multiple independent tare weighings.
3Manufacturing precision
If containers are moved individually through multiple processing stations, then each operation can be performed accurately, but the number of movements increases leading to higher energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple container handling operations into a single continuous weighing belt system. Containers are placed on the belt in groups and remain on the same belt throughout the weighing and filling operations, eliminating the need for multiple pick-and-place movements between separate weighing and filling stations. This merging of operations maintains manufacturing precision by keeping containers stable on the belt while dramatically reducing the number of movements and associated energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighing belt serves multiple functions: it acts as both the weighing platform and the transport mechanism for containers through the filling station. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate transport devices and reduces the number of handling operations. The belt maintains container positions accurately during weighing while also transporting them through the filling process, thereby reducing energy consumption without sacrificing operational accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method to weigh containers (C) in a processing line (10) which comprises a filling and weighing station (12) for said containers (C), said method providing to make available a plurality of containers (C) which are initially weighed in order to determine the tare weight and subsequently filled sequentially, determining the weight of the product metered into each container (C).