IMU-Corrected Vessel Scale for Multi-Axis Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weighing scales in dynamic environments, such as marine vessels, suffer from significant measurement inaccuracies due to constant changes in gravitational forces caused by multiple axes of movement and rotational forces, leading to errors in weight determination.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis scale stabilization system that incorporates load cells, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to measure accelerations and attitude, and a processor to apply vector rotations and corrections, ensuring accurate weight measurements by aligning with a global reference frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional weighing scales are used in dynamic marine environments, then the device complexity remains low, but the measurement precision deteriorates significantly due to gravitational changes caused by vessel movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into separate components: load cells for weight measurement, IMU for motion detection, and a processor for integration. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that receives raw data from load cells and IMU sensors, then integrates this information through computational algorithms to produce corrected weight measurements. This intermediary processing layer compensates for gravitational variations without requiring the physical scale itself to be complex
2Measurement precision
If the scale reference frame aligns with global Earth axes in static environments, then the manufacturing precision is simple, but the measurement precision fails in dynamic environments where attitude and acceleration change
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static reference frame alignment to a dynamic one by continuously updating the reference frame based on real-time IMU data. The processor calculates corrected weight measurements that account for instantaneous attitude and acceleration, allowing the scale to maintain accuracy despite changing environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters by introducing attitude angles (roll, pitch, yaw) and acceleration vectors as additional parameters that must be measured and compensated for. The processor uses these changing parameters to calculate corrected weight values, adapting the measurement approach to dynamic conditions rather than relying on fixed manufacturing precision
3Stability of the object's composition
If large stabilizers are used to reduce vessel movement, then the stability improves, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the entire vessel's movement is not resolved locally
Solution Approach 1:
The system shifts from measuring gravity at the vessel level to measuring gravity locally at the measurement point. By placing the scale and IMU together at a specific location, the system can detect local gravitational variations caused by vessel movement, providing precise measurements regardless of the overall vessel stability
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 system provides precise weight measurements by compensating for changes in attitude and localized accelerations, reducing measurement errors by up to 20% and enabling consistent recipe preparation and inventory management in dynamic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is configured to measure an acceleration in each of three axes and an attitude representing a rotational acceleration about each of the three axes
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus, and method for determining the weight of an item on board a vessel operated in a dynamic multi-axis gravitational operating environment. The apparatus includes a load plate to support the items to be weighed. Load cells support the load plate to measure a raw instantaneous weight of the item. A load sensor receives the raw instantaneous weight. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is configured to measure an acceleration in each of three axes and an attitude representing a rotational acceleration about each of the three axes. A processor is configured to receive the raw instantaneous weight of the item and determine a corrected weight based on the acceleration in each of the three axes and the attitude. A universal wiring harness for an onboard scale includes a processor, multiple load cells, and an IMU. The load plate and harness are integrated with a structure of the vessel.