Compact Weighing Calibration Device with Stationary Load Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration methods for weighing systems in tanks or large vessels are time-consuming, costly, and prone to inaccuracies due to bulky hydraulic systems that interfere with measurements, making them difficult to retrofit and costly to implement.
Innovation Solution
A calibration device with a stationary assembly and a dynamic assembly, where the dynamic assembly moves relative to the stationary assembly, applying force indirectly to the load cell to minimize interference and ensure accurate measurements, using hydraulic, electric, or mechanical actuators, and featuring a compact design to fit between the tank and base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic piston and tension load cell are attached in series to a tank for calibration, then the weighing system can be calibrated, but the system becomes very bulky and difficult to retrofit
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration device is divided into a stationary assembly (cylinder housing, load cell, piston rod) and a dynamic assembly (moveable part, moveable rod). This segmentation allows the bulky hydraulic components to be separated from the measurement components, reducing the overall footprint and making the device easier to retrofit while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A moveable part acts as an intermediary between the piston rod and the second attachment part. This intermediary component transfers the hydraulic force to the tank without requiring direct connection between the piston rod and the tank, allowing for a more compact configuration that is easier to install in existing facilities.
2Ease of operation
If the dynamic part moves relative to the stationary part during force application, then the calibration device can function, but measurement inaccuracies occur due to force vector offset
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell and cylinder housing are extracted from the moving components and placed in the stationary assembly. This extraction ensures that the force measurement and hydraulic actuation remain stationary relative to the base, eliminating measurement inaccuracies caused by movement while preserving the device's ability to apply calibration forces through the dynamic assembly.
3Force
If conventional hydraulic calibration systems are used, then force can be applied to the load cell, but the systems are bulky and interfere with measurements
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the calibration device into stationary and dynamic assemblies, the bulky hydraulic components are confined to the stationary assembly attached to the base. This segmentation reduces the overall device complexity and eliminates interference with measurements while maintaining the ability to apply precise calibration forces through the dynamic assembly.
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 more accurate, compact, and cost-effective calibration system that reduces measurement inaccuracies and hygienic risks, allowing easy retrofitting and single-user installation, while maintaining precise force application without direct mechanical noise or deflection.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator device having a stationary assembly and a dynamic assembly, wherein the dynamic assembly is configured to move relative to the stationary assembly during use
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration device for weighing systems, the calibration device may be configured to apply a force between a first part and a second part, e.g. between a container and a base, the calibration device having a stationary assembly and a dynamic assembly, wherein the dynamic assembly is configured to move relative to the stationary assembly during use, wherein the stationary assembly comprises: a first attachment part configured to be attached to a container or a base, an actuator device body, a load cell having a first end and a second (load receiving) receiving end, where the first end is mechanically coupled with the actuator device body and the second end is mechanically coupled with first attachment part, the dynamic assembly comprising: second attachment part configured to be attached to a container or a base (foundation), a moveable part reciprocating in the device body along a force application axis and a moveable rod connected with the moveable part and connected with the second attachment part.