Dual Support Overload Protection for Weighing Hopper Load Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional weighing devices with stopper mechanisms are prone to damage from abnormal loads, particularly when excessive force is applied during load removal or when workers improperly handle the load receiving portion, as the regulating portion acts as a fulcrum, leading to unintended forces on the load cell.

Innovation Solution

A weighing device equipped with a dual support mechanism, featuring a first support portion that limits downward displacement and a second support portion that limits upward displacement, utilizing the lever principle to distribute loads and prevent excessive deformation of the load cell, along with an optional upper opposing support to manage upward forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a stopper mechanism with a regulating portion is used to limit downward displacement of the load cell, then downward overload is protected, but upward abnormal loads can cause damage through the regulating portion acting as a fulcrum

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload cell protection from downward overloadVSAvoidupward abnormal load damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protection mechanism is divided into two independent support portions: a first support portion that limits downward displacement and a second support portion that limits upward displacement. Each support portion independently handles one direction of abnormal load, preventing the regulating portion from acting as a fulcrum during upward loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second support portion acts as an intermediary element that provides upward support to the connecting member or load cell. This intermediary support prevents the regulating portion from being used as a fulcrum during upward abnormal loads, thereby eliminating the harmful effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the second support portion is positioned close to the first support portion, then the structure is compact, but the space adjustment becomes difficult due to lever principle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure sizeVSAvoidspace adjustment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The second support portion is disposed in a position further away from the first support portion than the free end of the load cell, utilizing the vertical dimension and spatial arrangement to provide adequate adjustment space while maintaining structural compactness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the second support portion is disposed further from the first support portion, then space adjustment is easier and interference with surrounding structure is avoided, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace adjustment easeVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The second support portion serves multiple functions: it prevents upward abnormal loads, provides structural support, and enables easier space adjustment. By integrating these functions into a single element disposed at an optimized position, the device avoids increasing overall size while achieving multiple benefits.

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

Effectively limits both downward and upward displacements of the load cell beyond predetermined limits, reducing the risk of damage from abnormal loads and allowing for safer handling without increasing the device's size or complicating adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing the lever principle to distribute loads and prevent excessive deformation of the load cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever principle: Lever

Implementation Method 2

when the second load greater than the first load acts, a bending moment occurs in the connecting member with the first support portion as a fulcrum and the connecting member is deformed upward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever principle: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS9417117B2Two stage overload protection device for a weighing hopper

Publication Date: 2016.08.16 ISHIDA CO LTD

AI summary

A weighing device is equipped with a first overload protection mechanism and a second overload protection mechanism. The first overload protection mechanism includes a first support portion disposed on a fixing member and a first section disposed on a connecting member. The second overload protection mechanism includes a second support portion disposed on the fixing member and a second section disposed on the connecting member. When a first load acts on a weigh hopper, the first support portion supports the first section from below. When a second load greater than the first load acts on the weigh hopper, the second support portion supports the second section from above at the same time that the first support portion supports the first section.