Weighing System Using Interpenetrating Surfaces for Sequential Product Weight Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current weighing systems struggle to quickly and accurately determine the individual weights of multiple products of different formats placed side by side or one behind the other in multi-lane systems, as they require time-consuming adjustments and are not suitable for high throughput.
Innovation Solution
A weighing system where products load or unload a load receiver one after the other, allowing the weight of each product to be deduced from the difference between load cases, using two interpenetrating surfaces with one surface coupled to a load cell and the other decoupled, enabling rapid and format-free weighing with minimal design effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple load cells are arranged next to each other in a multi-lane weighing system, then the total weight of multiple products can be recorded, but the individual weight cannot be determined when products share load cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the weighing function into separate temporal segments. Instead of multiple load cells operating simultaneously, a single load cell performs weighing operations sequentially by transferring products between two surfaces (positioning surface and support surface) one at a time. This segmentation in time allows individual weight determination while maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic movement of the support surface relative to the positioning surface. The support surface can be lowered to receive products from the positioning surface or raised to transfer products back. This dynamic operation enables the system to switch between weighing different products without physical reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between maintaining multiple products in the system and determining individual weights.
2Measurement precision
If the number of load cells is adjusted based on product size and position, then individual weights can be determined, but the adjustment is time-consuming and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal weighing system where a single load cell and single surface configuration can handle products of all sizes and formats. By using the dynamic transfer mechanism between positioning and support surfaces, the same hardware performs weighing functions for different product types without requiring adjustment or reconfiguration, eliminating both time loss and cost intensity associated with adjusting load cell numbers.
3Measurement precision
If products are positioned relatively precisely to record weight, then individual weights can be recorded, but the positioning requirement increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the weighing function from the positioning function. Instead of requiring precise positioning of products on a fixed scale, the system uses a movable support surface that can be lowered to any position under the products. The weighing occurs dynamically when the support surface is in contact with the products, eliminating the need for complex fixed positioning mechanisms while maintaining measurement accuracy.
4Device complexity
If a single load cell is used, then design complexity is reduced, but the weighing speed for multiple products decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by maintaining products on the positioning surface while the support surface moves in and out. Multiple products can remain positioned and ready for weighing, and the support surface can sequentially contact different products without interrupting the overall process. This continuity allows a single load cell to maintain high weighing throughput by keeping the system actively engaged with multiple products simultaneously.
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 rapid and accurate recording of individual weights of multiple products using a single load cell, reducing design complexity and allowing for high product throughput without the need for special preparation or conversion for different formats.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell (B) which is designed to record the weight force introduced into the load receptor (LS) and to output an associated measured value
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for weighing a group of provided products without regard to the format, wherein the products rest either on a positioning surface or a support surface and are transferred from one surface to the other by relative movement of both surfaces. By measuring the weight of at least one of the two surfaces, the weight of each individual product can be determined.