Support structure for a load-bearing device

Abstract

A mechanism for reducing horizontal force in load measurement is presented. The mechanism includes a structure having surfaces of nonuniform radii of curvature (e.g., oblate spheroid surfaces) at both ends. The ends of the structure contact a force-sensor coupling element and a base-coupling element, forming two interfaces. Each interface includes a contact area between a convex surface and a concave surface. When a horizontal force is applied, the contact area at each interface shifts, allowing the structure to tip from the vertically aligned position that it is in when no horizontal force is applied. Compared to conventional mechanisms, the structure of the invention has a lower effective height because interfaces between oblate spheroid surfaces allow a larger angle of deflection than flat interfaces. The oblate spheroid interfaces also allow deflection to occur with less wear and tear at the interfaces compared to the flat-interfaced structures.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a load bearing device for force transmission, and in particular to a scale support element for improved force measurement. Background technique

[0002] Various load measuring devices and scales are known in the art. For example, US Patent No. 3,650,340 to Richard S. Bradley discloses a load cell of curved beam construction that resists torque, kinetic energy, and end face pressure, all of which affect the accuracy of the load cell sensor. Most currently available scales generally depend on the stability of the load-bearing structure between the load cells for output stability and reduced horizontal force. For example, scales made by Weigh-Tronix that utilize multiple load cells provide links to reduce horizontal forces between the load cells and to absorb energy from the horizontal motion of the load on the scale. Other scales provide vertical cables in order to reduce combined forces such as horizontal for...

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