Adjustable Tension Weight for Flexible Level Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fill level measuring devices are inflexible and require precise knowledge of container height for accurate measurements, limiting their use across different container sizes and necessitating costly rope shortening, which is hazardous and logistically cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A tension weight with a receiving section and adjustable fastening device allows the rope to be accommodated almost completely, enabling the distance between the tension weight and process connection to be freely selected, allowing the device to be used with containers of varying heights without rope shortening, and featuring a crimp sleeve to prevent unraveling and a stop element to prevent accidental removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the rope length is fixed based on a specific container height, then the measurement accuracy for that container is ensured, but the device cannot be used for containers with different heights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different container heightsVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the rope length adjustable through a reel mechanism that allows the rope to be wound out or retracted. The tension weight can be positioned at different distances from the process connection by adjusting how much rope is paid out from the reel, enabling adaptation to various container heights while maintaining measurement accuracy through proper tensioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the rope is shortened to fit smaller containers, then the device can be used for different container sizes, but special tools are required and the process is time-consuming and hazardous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different container heightsVSAvoidease of rope adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of permanently shortening the rope, the invention provides a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the rope length is changed by winding or unwinding on the reel. This eliminates the need for cutting tools and hazardous manual rope handling, making the adaptation process safe, quick, and tool-free.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The excess rope is stored within the tension weight housing on the reel mechanism. When not in use, the rope is neatly wound and contained within the tension weight structure, minimizing packaging volume and preventing rope strands from unraveling or causing injury during storage and transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the cable is inserted to the bottom of a blind hole or flush with a through hole, then the cable is secured, but adapting to different container heights requires shortening the cable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable securingVSAvoidadaptability to different container heights
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the fixed cable insertion method with a dynamic reel mechanism. The cable is paid out from the reel to the required length and then secured at the process connection, allowing flexible adjustment to different container heights while maintaining reliable securing through the tension weight and fastening device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 flexible use across different container heights without the need for rope shortening, simplifies logistics and handling, reduces the risk of injury, and minimizes packaging volume, while ensuring accurate level measurements by maintaining a linear cable course and preventing air bubbles and contamination.

Implementation Method 1

The tension weight has a base with a bore into which the rope is inserted. The rope is secured to the base by means of a fastening device. This fastening device can, for example, have threaded holes running perpendicular to the bore and ending within it, into which a screw or threaded stud can be screwed. The screws or threaded studs press the rope against the wall of the bore, creating a frictional connection between the rope and the base body.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The screws or threaded studs press the rope against the wall of the bore, creating a frictional connection between the rope and the base body.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3392624B1Level measurement device for measuring the fill level in a container with a tensioning weight
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 VEGA GRIESHABER GMBH & CO
  • EP3392624B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3392624B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~3
  • EP3392624B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a tension weight (12) for a level measuring device (10) for measuring the fill level in a container (22), wherein the level measuring device (10) comprises a housing (14) in which sensor electronics (16) and a level sensor (18) cooperating with the sensor electronics (16) are arranged, a process connection (20) connected to the housing (14), and a rope (24) with a first end (26) and a second end (28), wherein the rope (24) can be attached to or is attached to the process connection (20) in the region of the first end (26), wherein the tension weight (12) comprises a fastening device (36) which cooperates with at least one fastening section (46) selectable along the length of the rope (24) for attaching the rope (24) to the tension weight (12), and a receiving section (50) for receiving the tension weight (12) and the second end (28) limited part of the rope (24).Furthermore, the invention relates to a level measuring device (10) with such a tension weight (12).