Calibration Control Unit for Force Measuring Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration devices for force measuring devices are limited in their ability to adapt to different requirements, such as varying types of force measuring devices and specific application needs, while maintaining high accuracy and stability, and are often costly and complex to operate.
Innovation Solution
A calibration device with an electrically controllable force generating means and a calibration control unit that can be coupled to a force measuring device, allowing for flexible adaptation to various requirements through centralized control and monitoring of the force generating means, enabling the generation of precise control signals based on characterized parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a calibration device with predetermined weights and manual operation is used, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but adaptability to different force measuring devices and application requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration device is designed with a universal interface that can be coupled to different types of force measuring devices. The control unit can be configured with different parameters to accommodate various device types and application requirements, allowing one device to serve multiple calibration purposes without requiring device-specific hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration device transitions from a static, manually-operated system to a dynamic, electrically-controlled system. The force generating means can be actively controlled through electrical signals, enabling automatic adjustment and adaptation to different calibration scenarios while maintaining measurement accuracy through precise control.
2Ease of operation
If a calibration device with electric motor and spindle mechanism is used, then force can be applied to the load cell, but the device becomes costly and complex to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems (electric motor with rotatable spindle) with a more streamlined electrical control system. The control unit directly controls the force generating means through electrical signals, eliminating the need for intricate mechanical transmission mechanisms while improving ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration device incorporates automatic control capabilities where the control unit autonomously manages the calibration process based on programmed parameters. The system can automatically adjust forces, monitor measurements, and control the timing of calibration operations, reducing manual intervention and operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a calibration device with centralized control unit and communication connection is used, then flexibility and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the force generating means, communicates with the processing unit, stores calibration parameters, and manages the overall calibration process. This multi-functional design provides flexibility and adaptability without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall 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 provides high flexibility in adapting force measuring devices to diverse requirements, ensuring high accuracy and stability while being cost-effective, allowing for efficient manufacturing and customer-specific adaptations, and enabling the use of different technologies for force generation without requiring adjustments to the force measuring device.
Implementation Method 1
The load cell is a mechanical-electrical converter that converts the applied force into an electrical measurement signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The apparatus (40) has a load cell (10) generating a measurement signal which corresponds to the supplied force. A calibration control unit (50) is provided with a predefined parameter characterizing a force measuring apparatus and/or the apparatus. The calibration control unit is connected to a processing unit via a communication link to interchange information signals with the processing unit. The calibration control unit utilizes the information signals and predefined parameter to generate control signals and controls a force generating unit (41).