Combination weighing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination weighing devices face challenges in detecting water intrusion due to damage in diaphragms and bellows, leading to corrosion, which is not effectively addressed by current strain gauge-based systems, and power consumption issues during detection.
Innovation Solution
A combination weighing device with electroconductive plates and detectors that measure potential differences between these plates and conductive parts within the device, using a waterproof housing made of conductive materials, to detect water intrusion reliably and efficiently, reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strain gauges are provided at multiple locations to detect water intrusion, then detection reliability is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive strain gauges with inexpensive electroconductive plates that can be easily manufactured and installed. These plates serve as disposable or replaceable components that provide reliable water detection without the high cost of strain gauges, directly resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and device cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical strain gauge system with an electrical field-based detection system using electroconductive plates. This replacement eliminates the need for mechanical components while achieving the same water intrusion detection function, reducing both cost and complexity
2Reliability
If strain gauges are continuously powered to detect water intrusion, then detection responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic detection by applying voltage to electroconductive plates only when needed (e.g., during device startup or when water intrusion is suspected). This intermittent operation maintains detection responsiveness while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous strain gauge operation
Solution Approach 2:
The electroconductive plates utilize the device's existing electrical infrastructure and can be activated by the control unit using available power resources. The system serves itself by detecting water intrusion without requiring dedicated continuous power supply, achieving responsiveness with minimal energy expenditure
3Use of energy by moving object
If detection occurs only when power is on, then power saving is improved, but detection capability during cleaning is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs water intrusion detection during device startup or initialization phases before normal operation begins. By detecting water presence in advance, the system ensures protection is in place before the device is fully operational, maintaining reliability without requiring continuous power during cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback from the electroconductive plates about water intrusion status and can alert operators or take protective actions. This feedback mechanism ensures that even with intermittent power, the system maintains detection capability at critical moments and can respond appropriately to water intrusion events
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 allows for cost-effective and reliable detection of water intrusion, preventing corrosion by retaining water for detection during device downtime, thus maintaining the device's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an electroconductive plate opposed, with an interval, to an electroconductive part... a detector that detects a potential difference between the electroconductive part and the electroconductive plate
Implementation Method 2
water having intruded inside the combination weighing device... determines presence or absence of water intrusion inside the interval, based on the detected potential difference
Data Source
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AI summary
A combination weighing device includes: an electroconductive plate opposed, with an interval, to an electroconductive part enabling detection of water intrusion inside the combination weighing device; a voltage wire for application of voltage to the electroconductive plate; and a detector that detects a potential difference between the electroconductive part and the electroconductive plate, wherein the detector or a controller of the combination weighing device determines presence or absence of water intrusion inside the interval, based on the detected potential difference.