Weighing Unit Identification Key Verification for Filling Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling machines require recalibration when components are exchanged for maintenance or testing, leading to time and cost inefficiencies due to the need to break the calibration seal.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize unique identification keys for weighing units, allowing for component exchange without recalibration by verifying the association between stored and current identification keys, enabling continued operation in a calibrated or uncalibrated mode as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If calibration seal is broken to replace components for maintenance or testing, then component exchange is enabled, but time and cost increase due to required recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the calibration verification into separate segments: the calibration seal remains intact on the calibration device, while individual components have their own identification keys that can be independently verified. This allows component replacement without breaking the calibration seal, enabling maintenance while preserving calibration status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism using identification keys stored in memory. Instead of requiring physical recalibration when components are exchanged, the system uses an intermediate verification step that compares the identification key of the replaced component with the current component, allowing exchange without time loss.
2Ease of repair
If calibration seal is broken to replace components, then component exchange is enabled, but costs increase due to recalibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration verification is segmented so that the calibration seal on the calibration device remains separate from component identification. This allows components to be replaced and verified through their identification keys without involving the calibration officer, eliminating recalibration costs while maintaining calibration integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-verification of component authenticity through stored identification keys. Instead of requiring external calibration services for every component exchange, the device performs self-verification by comparing identification keys, reducing dependency on calibration officers and associated costs.
3Productivity
If identification key verification is implemented, then component exchange without recalibration is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identification key verification system serves multiple functions: it verifies component authenticity, enables component exchange without recalibration, and maintains calibration status. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single verification mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a simplified copy of the component's unique identification characteristics (identification key) stored in memory, rather than requiring complex physical verification mechanisms. This copying approach enables verification without adding significant complexity to the physical device structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Device and method for operating a device, having a storage device, an evaluation device and a weighing unit. The weighing unit has a unique identification key. A corresponding characteristic pass code is stored in the storage device for the identification key of the weighing unit. The evaluation device derives a data record containing weighing data from the measured data determined with the weighing unit. The evaluation device checks the congruity between the pass code stored in the storage device and the identification key of the current weighing unit. The evaluation device determines a positive test status if the pass code stored in the storage device is found to be congruous with the identification key of the current weighing unit. The evaluation device determines a negative test status if no matching pass code is found in the storage device for the identification key of the current weighing unit. The data record is output as a calibrated data record if the test status is positive and a non-calibrated data record if the test status is negative.