Precision Balance Climate Module for In-Scale Uncertainty Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing precision balances and mass comparators face challenges in accurately determining measurement uncertainty due to external factors like air density, humidity, and temperature, requiring external sensors and computers for data processing, which can lead to incorrect entries and increased complexity.

Innovation Solution

Integration of air pressure, humidity, and temperature sensors within the balance, coupled with a processor and data transmission path, allows for direct determination of measurement uncertainty within the device, eliminating the need for external computers and manual data entry, and enabling self-sufficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If external sensors and computers are used to determine measurement uncertainty, then measurement uncertainty can be calculated according to OIML R 111, but the device complexity increases and manual data entry errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement uncertainty determinationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple previously separate components (precision balance, climate sensors for temperature, humidity, and air pressure, reference weight database, and uncertainty calculation software) into a single integrated system. The processor directly accesses sensors and calculates measurement uncertainty without requiring external computers or manual data entry, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The precision balance is designed to perform multiple functions: weighing objects, measuring climate parameters (temperature, humidity, air pressure), storing reference weight information, and calculating measurement uncertainty. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external devices and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If external sensors and manual data entry are used, then measurement uncertainty can be calculated, but the risk of incorrect entries increases and ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement uncertainty determinationVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically measures climate parameters using integrated sensors, retrieves reference weight data from its own database, and calculates measurement uncertainty without requiring manual data entry by the operator. This self-service capability eliminates transcription errors and simplifies operation while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The processor continuously receives data from integrated sensors and automatically updates measurement uncertainty calculations based on real-time climate conditions. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate uncertainty determination without manual intervention, improving both ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If a PC and external sensors are required, then uncertainty calculation can be performed, but portability and ease of use are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall uncertainty calculationVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating all necessary components (sensors, processor, database, and calculation capabilities) into the precision balance itself, the system becomes a self-contained portable unit. The balance can be transported to different locations and immediately perform complete measurements with uncertainty calculation without requiring external computers or sensors, thereby improving portability while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Simplifies the determination and output of measurement uncertainty, providing accurate mass calculations and certifications, while ensuring portability and ease of use, with all necessary components for air buoyancy correction integrated into the scale, reducing the risk of transmission errors and enhancing operational accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a climate module which contains an air pressure sensor, an air humidity sensor and an air temperature sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir pressure sensing:

Implementation Method 2

a climate module which contains an air pressure sensor, an air humidity sensor and an air temperature sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir humidity sensing:

Implementation Method 3

a climate module which contains an air pressure sensor, an air humidity sensor and an air temperature sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir temperature sensing:

Implementation Method 4

The measurement uncertainty is influenced, among other things, by the air density prevailing during the measurement, which affects the buoyancy of the test object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir buoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP3066433B2Precision scale or mass comparator with module for detecting a measurement uncertainty
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 SARTORIUS LAB INSTR GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3066433B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3066433B2 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3066433B2 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a precision scale with a scale chamber (16), a windshield (18, 20, 22) which surrounds the scale chamber (16), an air conditioning module (34) which is removably arranged in the scale chamber (16), a processor (32) which is arranged in the precision scale, a data input unit which is arranged on the precision scale, and a data transmission path with which data can be exchanged between the air conditioning module (34) and the processor (32), said processor (32) containing a measurement uncertainty detection module (33) with which the measurement uncertainty of the scale can be ascertained. The invention also relates to an air conditioning module for electrically coupling to a precision scale in a removable manner, said air conditioning module (34) forming a sealed unit and having an air pressure sensor (62), a humidity sensor (54), an air temperature sensor (52), and a part of a data transmission path via which data can be transmitted to a processor outside of the air conditioning module. The invention finally relates to a method for determining the measurement uncertainty of a precision scale comprising a scale chamber (16) which is separated from the surroundings by a windshield and in which an air pressure sensor (62), a humidity sensor (54), and an air temperature sensor (52) are arranged, said sensors (52, 54, 62) being coupled to a processor (32). Goods to be weighed, in the form of a test object, are weighed, and the following steps are carried out: - ascertaining the air pressure, the humidity, and the air temperature in the scale chamber (16) using the sensors (52, 54, 62); - weighing the test object; - determining the standard uncertainty of the weighing method; - determining the standard uncertainty of the mass of the test object; and - ascertaining a total uncertainty of the scale result.