Beam Scale Balancing Area Rotation for Ratio Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam scale assemblies for proportioning components in baking recipes require complex adjustments to the balance beam length to change the proportioning ratio, which is cumbersome and often necessitates additional counterweights for balance.
Innovation Solution
A beam scale assembly with balancing areas connected to the balance beam on an adjustment axis offset from the center, allowing rotation to adjust the distance between the distance axis and the tipping axis, enabling variable pivot distances without altering the balance beam length, and a method involving moving containers in an orbit about an axis offset from the center to adjust the proportioning ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the balance beam length is altered to change the proportioning ratio, then the proportioning ratio can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases and additional counterweights are required
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing area is made movable relative to the balance beam through a connection mechanism that allows rotation about an adjustment axis. This dynamic positioning enables the distance between the balancing area and the tipping axis to be changed without altering the balance beam length, thereby adjusting the proportioning ratio while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adjusting the proportioning ratio by changing the length of the balance beam (one-dimensional adjustment), the invention introduces a second dimension of adjustment by allowing the balancing area to rotate about an axis offset from the center. This rotational movement in a different dimension achieves the same proportioning ratio adjustment without requiring length changes or additional counterweights.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the balance beam length is altered to change the proportioning ratio, then the proportioning ratio can be adjusted, but the ease of operation decreases due to cumbersome adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the balancing area and the balance beam is designed to be movable rather than fixed. The balancing area can be easily repositioned by rotating it about the adjustment axis, providing a simple and intuitive operation for changing proportioning ratios without the complexity of length adjustments or counterweight reconfiguration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional counterweights are added to maintain balance, then the balance can be maintained during adjustment, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inherently maintains balance through the geometric relationship between the balancing area position and the tipping axis. By adjusting the distance between these two elements through rotation about the adjustment axis, the system achieves proportioning ratio changes without requiring additional counterweights, thereby maintaining balance while avoiding increased device complexity.
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
This solution simplifies the adjustment of proportioning ratios between components by rotating the balancing areas, eliminating the need for length adjustments and separate counterweights, making the process more user-friendly and compact while maintaining balance throughout the operation.
Implementation Method 1
a balance beam (32) defining a longitudinal axis (A) extending between a first balancing area (36) and a second balancing area (34) for receiving a first container (26) and a second container (22) respectively
Implementation Method 2
A pivot (72) extends downwardly from the balance beam (32) between the first and second balancing areas (36, 34) for pivoting the beam (32) along a tipping axis (C) that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A)
Data Source
AI summary
A beam scale assembly for proportioning a first component in a first container and a second component in a second container including a balance beam extending between a first balancing area and a second balancing area for receiving the first and second containers respectively. A pivot extends downwardly between the first and second balancing areas along a tipping axis. The balancing areas each have a center and define a distance axis across the center in spaced and parallel relationship to the tipping axis. A connection interconnects the balancing area and the balance beam along an adjustment axis and facilitates rotation of the balancing area relative to the balance beam about the adjustment axis for adjusting the distance between the distance axis of the balancing area and the tipping axis.