Crucible Lifter Beak-and-Scoop Grip for Closed Drying Scales
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Drying scales with hinged covers require cumbersome handling of crucibles due to the need for extensive space, especially when the weighing chamber is closed, as existing crucible lifters are either too large or require hand insertion for removal.
Innovation Solution
A crucible lifter with a tong-like end and a handle featuring a shovel-like support projection and a beak that can move to grip the crucible's edge, allowing lateral removal without hand insertion, utilizing movable handle legs and a leaf spring for opening and closing, made from lightweight materials like plastic for enhanced handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional crucible lifter with vertical handle and side-gripping legs is used, then the crucible can be gripped securely, but the device requires extensive space and cannot be used when the weighing chamber is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional gripping approach by moving from side-gripping to top-down gripping. The beak extends further forward than the support projection, allowing the crucible to be engaged from above and secured in a vertical orientation, enabling operation within the confined space of a closed weighing chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal side-gripping to vertical top-down gripping. The handle is oriented horizontally while the beak and support projection engage the crucible vertically from above, allowing the device to operate in the vertical dimension within the confined horizontal space of the weighing chamber.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the weighing chamber is kept closed for safety and cleanliness, then contamination is prevented, but crucible removal becomes difficult without hand insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new intermediary tool - the beak extension - that mediates between the closed weighing chamber and the crucible. The beak can be inserted through the front opening to engage the crucible, allowing removal without hand insertion while maintaining chamber closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The crucible lifter is designed to be self-sufficient for crucible removal. The beak and support projection work together to automatically engage and secure the crucible without requiring manual hand insertion or additional tools, enabling operator-safe removal while maintaining chamber integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the beak is positioned further forward than the support projection, then the crucible can be gripped in a narrow area for lateral removal, but the structural design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gripping function into two distinct components: the beak for engaging the crucible rim and the support projection for supporting the crucible bottom. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the beak positioned further forward to enable lateral removal while maintaining manageable structural 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
Enables easy, contamination-free handling and removal of crucibles from drying scales by allowing lateral extraction without opening the weighing chamber, reducing space requirements and minimizing manual contact, thus improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A leaf spring pushes the handle arms away from one another
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
A pan lifting device for positively gripping a pan of scales comprises a prong-type end (12) and a handle (14). A scoop-type supporting projection (16) is used for accommodating the bottom (28) of the pan, and a crimped beak (18) clamps the rim (30) of the pan.