Force Measuring Device Electromagnetic Field Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Force-measuring devices, such as scales and weighing modules, are vulnerable to disruptions from high-frequency electromagnetic fields, which can penetrate through gaps and affect measurement accuracy, leading to inaccurate weighing and potential defects in industrial processes or consumer products.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that incorporate sensors to detect high-frequency electromagnetic fields, comparing the detected parameters with threshold values, triggering actions such as alerting users, repeating measurements, or blocking processes when thresholds are exceeded, and storing data for traceability and calibration purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the force measuring device is protected against electromagnetic radiation, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional shields and compensation elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor detects electromagnetic fields before they can penetrate through the housing and disrupt the load cell measurements. By performing preliminary detection and triggering warnings or blocking measurements in advance, the system prevents harmful effects without requiring complex protective shields or compensation circuits throughout the entire device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If sensors are added to detect electromagnetic fields, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor serves multiple functions: it detects electromagnetic field strength, triggers warnings when thresholds are exceeded, and enables the system to block measurements or repeat them. This multi-functionality approach adds measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity by avoiding dedicated separate systems for each function.

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

3Reliability

If the housing is made more protective against electromagnetic fields, then reliability is improved, but the housing design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection reliabilityVSAvoidhousing design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the housing itself more complex to block electromagnetic fields, the patent introduces an intermediary sensor that detects the fields and mediates the response by triggering warnings or blocking measurements. This approach maintains a simple housing design while achieving reliable protection through the sensor's detection and control functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Prevents inaccurate measurements by identifying and mitigating the impact of high-frequency electromagnetic fields, ensuring accurate weighing and reducing the risk of defective products, while providing traceability and allowing for timely calibration.

Implementation Method 1

at least one in the interior of the housing and/or at least one arranged outside the housing serving the detection of high-frequency electromagnetic fields sensor is present

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP1921428B1Method for monitoring and/or determining the condition of a force measuring device and force measuring device
Publication Date: 2010.06.30 METTLER TOLEDO GMBH
  • EP1921428B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1921428B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP1921428B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The method involves providing a broad-band sensor (24) either in an interior space of a housing or outside of the housing, where the sensor detects high frequency electromagnetic fields in a frequency range of telecommunication devices. A parameter characterizing the existing electromagnetic field is detected using the sensor, and a detected value of the parameter is compared with a threshold value. A response action of a force-measuring device is triggered, when the detected parameter value exceeds the threshold value.