Balance Windshield Door Control to Prevent False Auto-Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshields for balances with automatic opening and closing mechanisms face issues with non-contact switches being accidentally activated and manual operation being cumbersome, especially when holding a specimen.
Innovation Solution
A windshield with a door that includes an opening and closing mechanism, a sensor to detect door movement, and a control unit to automatically open or close the door based on slight movements detected by the sensor, eliminating the need for non-contact switches and simplifying operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a non-contact switch such as a light sensor is used for automatic opening and closing, then the door can be opened and closed automatically, but erroneous activation occurs unexpectedly
Solution Approach 1:
A push switch is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the automatic opening/closing mechanism. The push switch requires deliberate physical contact to activate, serving as a mediator that prevents accidental activation while still enabling automatic door operation when properly triggered
Solution Approach 2:
The door opening/closing system serves itself by automatically responding to the push switch signal without requiring additional complex sensing or control mechanisms. The system activates automatically upon detecting the push switch state change, eliminating the need for external triggers that could cause erroneous activation
2Reliability
If a push switch is used for opening and closing, then erroneous activation is suppressed, but it is difficult to push the switch while holding a specimen by hand
Solution Approach 1:
The push switch is positioned in a spatial location that is easily accessible without requiring the user to release the specimen. By placing the switch in a different dimensional space (within easy reach), the system maintains reliability while improving ease of operation during specimen handling
Solution Approach 2:
The push switch is designed as a simple, robust component that can be easily actuated with minimal force. It functions as a single-use trigger that doesn't require complex mechanisms or sustained interaction, allowing quick activation even when hands are occupied
3Device complexity
If manual opening and closing is used, then no special mechanism is needed, but it is troublesome to move the door to a desired position
Solution Approach 1:
The door system serves itself by automatically moving to the desired position once triggered. The automatic opening/closing mechanism eliminates the need for manual positioning efforts, as the door autonomously transitions to the correct state (fully open or fully closed) without user intervention
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
The solution provides a convenient and reliable opening and closing mode for the windshield, allowing for easy operation even when holding a specimen, while minimizing accidental activations.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is a pressure sensor configured to measure an air pressure of the air cylinder, so that the movement of the door is detected based on a change in the air pressure measured by the pressure sensor
Implementation Method 2
the opening and closing mechanism is configured to include, as a drive source to drive the door, an air cylinder to be joined to the door
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield for a balance is provided, and the windshield to be attached to a balance to define a weighing chamber, includes openable and closable doors constituting portions of the weighing chamber, opening and closing mechanisms configured to open and close the doors, sensors configured to detect movement of the doors, and a control unit configured to command the opening and closing mechanism to open and close the door when a movement of the door from a stationary state is detected by the sensors. When an operator slightly moves the door from a stationary state to open or close the door, the sensor detects this, and the door is automatically opened or closed.