Fluidic Drive Adjustment Mechanism for Precision Scales
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scale adjustment devices are bulky, expensive, and generate unwanted heat due to electric motors, and pose challenges in explosion-proof areas, particularly requiring complex gears and large volumes.
Innovation Solution
The use of fluidic drives, such as pneumatic or hydraulic pressure sources, which allow for compact and versatile designs, eliminating the need for gears and reducing heat input, with actuation controlled by position sensors and microcontrollers, and incorporating damping elements for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric motors with gears are used for adjustment functions, then reliable actuation is achieved, but the device volume increases and structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic actuation using a pressure cylinder instead of electric motors with gears. The pressure cylinder receives pressurized gas through a pressure connection and uses pneumatic force to move the piston and actuator, achieving reliable actuation without complex mechanical gear systems, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining actuation reliability
2Power
If electric motors are used for adjustment functions, then actuation capability is achieved, but heat input occurs which is undesirable in precision scales
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric motors with a pneumatic pressure cylinder that uses compressed gas to generate actuation force. This pneumatic system delivers sufficient power for adjustment functions without the resistive losses that generate heat in electric motors, thereby eliminating the harmful heat input while maintaining actuation capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If different motors are used for different adjustment functions, then optimal performance for each function is achieved, but production cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal pneumatic pressure cylinder that can perform multiple adjustment functions by changing the control valve configuration and actuator positioning. The same pressure cylinder can adjust different components (such as draft shield walls, weight supports, or stop positions) by directing pneumatic pressure to different actuators, thereby achieving optimal performance for multiple functions without requiring different motors, reducing both complexity and cost
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 fluidic drive system enables smaller, adaptable, and cost-effective adjustment devices with reduced heat input, suitable for sensitive environments like laboratories, and allows for precise control and efficient movement of weights and draft shields.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure source (not shown) arranged outside the scales 1 via a pressure connection 7 pressurizes a piston 6 in a pressure cylinder 5
Implementation Method 2
a longitudinally displaceable piston 6 in a pressure cylinder 5 is pressurized
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a balance comprising at least one adjusting device having a drive, wherein the drive of the adjusting device is configured as a fluidic drive to which pressure can be applied by a pressure source disposed outside the scales via a pressure connection.