Precision Balance Windshield Coating Connection Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precision balances with removable windshields face challenges in ensuring that the electrically conductive coatings of their wall elements remain correctly connected, leading to potential electrostatic charge buildup and falsification of weighing results, especially during installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an electrical testing device within the precision balance to verify the connection of the electrically conductive coatings to the electrical connector, allowing for impedance or resistance measurements to ensure correct earthing and prevent measurement errors, with features like displaceable panes and brushes for reliable contact monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the windshield is made removable for easy cleaning and maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of incorrect electrical connection during installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a testing device that automatically checks the electrical connection of the conductive coating on windshield panes. The testing device includes test contacts that engage with the coating and measure impedance or resistance to verify proper connection to the electrical connector, providing immediate feedback if the connection is incorrect or interrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing device performs electrical connection verification before weighing operations begin. The system checks the integrity of the conductive coating connection as a preliminary step, ensuring that all wall elements are properly earthed before measurements are taken, thereby preventing future measurement errors.
2Measurement precision
If electrical testing device is integrated to verify coating connections, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device is integrated into the existing precision balance structure, combining the weighing function with the electrical connection testing function in a single device. The test contacts are incorporated into the windshield assembly, and the testing circuitry is merged with the balance's control system, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of its own electrical connections through the integrated testing device. The balance automatically checks the conductivity of its own windshield coating and connection to ground, enabling the device to monitor and verify its own operational integrity without external intervention.
3Ease of operation
If displaceable panes are used for monitoring closed position, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The test contacts serve multiple functions: they verify the electrical connection of the conductive coating and simultaneously detect whether the displaceable pane is in the closed position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate position sensing mechanisms, as the same electrical contact system performs both connection verification and position monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection testing function and pane position monitoring function are merged into a single integrated system. The test contacts are positioned to engage with the conductive coating only when the pane is closed, so that a successful electrical connection test inherently confirms the pane is in the correct position.
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
Prevents unnoticed electrostatic charge buildup and measurement errors by ensuring all wall elements are correctly connected, enabling reliable weighing results and providing error messages or adjusting operation modes to maintain accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the panes of the windshield are conductively coated in order to conduct away any static charges that form
Implementation Method 2
the testing device is able to determine the impedance or the resistance between at least one test contact which contacts the coating, and the electrical connector
Data Source
AI summary
A precision balance provided with a windshield having at least one wall element (2, 10, 12, 20, 24), which is provided with an electrically conductive coating (62), and having an electrical connection (66) for the coating. An electrical test device (68) is additionally provided, which is integrated into the precision balance and with which it is possible to check whether the coating (62) is connected to the electrical connection (66).