Digital Load Cell with Modular Configuration Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital load cell systems lack flexibility in configuration modes, making them inadequate for intelligent switching among various working conditions and client requirements, limiting their adaptability in modern industrial production.

Innovation Solution

A digital load cell with modular components including a force measurement element, power incentive module, signal detection module, microprocessor, communication module, current control module, and configuration control module, allowing for real-time configuration of detection modes, communication protocols, and power settings to adapt to different working modes and network topologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a digital load cell uses fixed configuration modes, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to intelligent switching among various configuration modes and different client requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration mode adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configuration capabilities by enabling the digital load cell to switch between multiple working modes (weighing mode, diagnosis mode, communication configuration mode, communication addressing mode, and preset function modes) based on different operational requirements. The configuration control module dynamically adjusts detection modes, communication protocols, and power settings to adapt to varying client needs and working conditions, transforming a static device into a dynamically adaptable system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the digital load cell incorporates multiple configuration modes and intelligent switching capabilities, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking mode flexibilityVSAvoidmodule configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the digital load cell into distinct functional modules: force measurement element, power incentive module, signal detection module, microprocessor, communication module, current control module, and configuration control module. Each module is responsible for specific functions, and the configuration control module independently manages the switching between different working modes. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high adaptability while keeping each module's complexity manageable and well-defined.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the digital load cell implements real-time configuration of detection modes and communication protocols, then functionality improves, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time configuration capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration control module serves as a universal control unit that manages multiple functions including detection mode selection, communication protocol configuration, terminal matching, impedance control, and power settings adjustment. This single multi-functional module consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate control mechanisms, enabling real-time configuration across different working conditions while avoiding the proliferation of separate control systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 flexible and various working modes and network configurations, enhancing the digital load cell's ability to perform specific function applications and control processes, thereby improving adaptability and functionality compared to traditional systems.

Implementation Method 1

a force measurement element which detects a load stress of the cell and converts same into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoresistive Effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3205989B1Digital weighing sensor and sensor network
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 METTLER TOLEDO (CHANGZHOU) PRECISION INSTR CO LTD
  • EP3205989B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3205989B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3205989B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a digital load cell, comprising: a force measurement element, a power incentive module, a signal detection module, a microprocessor, a communication module, a current control module and a configuration control module. The signal detection module can be configured by first configuration control information to use a corresponding detection mode to perform signal conversion. The processor can be configured by second configuration control information to use one or more corresponding kernels or processors for running. The communication module can be configured by third configuration control information to use a corresponding communication protocol, terminal matching and impedance control for communication. The current control module can configure, according to fourth configuration control information, the on/off, voltage values and current values of the power incentive module, the signal detection module, the microprocessor and the communication module. The configuration control module sends the first to fourth configuration control information according to a selected working mode. Also proposed in the present invention is an intelligent digital load cell network based on multi-configuration techniques.