Combination Scale Vibration Error Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional combination scales face errors in measured weights due to vibrations from the scale and floor, which existing technologies fail to accurately correct, affecting weighing accuracy during combinatorial computations.

Innovation Solution

A combination scale with a corrective operation mode that decides and applies correction values to measured weight values using test articles or virtual weights, improving accuracy by accounting for errors and variations in weighing hopper measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional weighing methods are used without correction values, then the weighing process is simple, but weighing accuracy deteriorates due to vibrations from the scale and floor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweighing accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of correction process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing correction value determination in a preliminary correction operation mode before normal weighing operations. Test articles of known weights are weighed to establish correction values that compensate for vibration-induced errors, so that when normal weighing occurs, the accuracy is already optimized without adding real-time complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining correction values through the corrective operation mode using test articles. The weighing apparatus self-corrects its measurement errors without external intervention during normal operation, applying the predetermined correction values automatically to maintain high accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If correction values are determined using test articles of known weights, then weighing accuracy is improved, but the operation time increases due to the additional corrective operation mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of measured weight valuesVSAvoidtime for corrective operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The correction operation is performed as a preliminary setup step before normal weighing operations begin. By establishing correction values in advance using test articles, the system eliminates the need for continuous correction during production, thus the time loss is confined to initial calibration rather than ongoing operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between corrective operation mode (for calibration) and normal operation mode (for production). This parameter change allows the system to optimize for accuracy during calibration and for efficiency during production, minimizing the impact on overall operational time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 implementation of correction values in the combination scale's normal operation mode enhances weighing accuracy by correcting errors in measured weights, leading to more precise combinatorial computations and improved weighing performance.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of weight sensors configured to detect weights of respective ones of the weighing hoppers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3786594B1Combination scale
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 YAMATO SCALE CO LTD
  • EP3786594B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3786594B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3786594B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

A combination scale is provided that includes a combinatorial computation unit and two operation modes; a normal operation mode, and a corrective operation mode in which correction values are decided. The correction values are for use in correcting errors of measured weight values calculated from weight signals of weight sensors. In the normal operation mode, the combinatorial computation unit corrects the measured weight values using the correction values decided in the corrective operation mode. Then, the combinatorial computation unit executes combinatorial computations based on the corrected measured weight values.