Flow Scale Basket Baffle Inversion for Compact Vertical Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow scales for solid materials are bulky, requiring significant vertical space, which limits their application and leads to measurement inaccuracies due to the need for large vertical installation space and the placement of sensing devices underneath spreader cones.
Innovation Solution
A compact flow scale design featuring a vertical flow path with horizontally aligned spreader and basket baffles that diverge and converge material subflows, respectively, allowing for accurate weight measurement using a load cell positioned above the basket assembly, minimizing vertical height and horizontal force components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a spreader cone with sensing device underneath is used, then flow measurement function is achieved, but vertical height increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the load cell above the spreader cone rather than underneath it. This inversion allows the sensing device to be positioned in a location that minimizes vertical height while still accurately measuring the force exerted by the flowing material, thereby resolving the contradiction between compact size and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the load cell from a vertical arrangement (underneath the cone) to a horizontal arrangement (above the cone, measuring radial force components). This dimensional change allows the sensing device to measure flow characteristics without contributing to vertical height, effectively decoupling measurement function from vertical space occupation.
2Measurement precision
If sensing device is located underneath spreader cone, then flow measurement is possible, but horizontal force components increase causing measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the position of the load cell from underneath to above the spreader cone, the patent changes the direction in which the sensing device measures force. The load cell now measures the radial component of force exerted by material against the cone surface, which eliminates or minimizes horizontal force components that would otherwise cause measurement inaccuracies.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wires are routed away from center of material flow for protection, then wiring protection is achieved, but measurement inaccuracies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wiring from the hazardous zone by positioning the load cell above the spreader cone, where wires can be routed away from the center of material flow without compromising measurement accuracy. This extraction allows the wiring to be protected from abrasive material while the sensing device remains in the optimal position for accurate measurement.
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 accurate and reliable flow measurement within compact vertical spaces, reducing the need for facility redesign and minimizing measurement inaccuracies by maintaining a linear force component on the load cell, suitable for various applications like discharge ports and conveyors.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured for sensing displacement of the basket baffles and generating an output signal
Data Source
AI summary
A flow scale apparatus includes a substantially vertical flow path along which material can flow, a plurality of spreader baffles substantially aligned horizontally and positioned in the flow path, a plurality of basket baffles located downstream from the spreader baffles in the flow path and substantially aligned horizontally, and a sensor. The basket baffles are secured together and configured to be displaceable such that portions of the material in the flow path contact each of the basket baffles to displace the basket baffles relative to the spreader baffles as a function of a weight of the material in the flow path. The sensor is configured for sensing displacement of the basket baffles and generating an output signal.