Inflatable Scale Seal for Stable Locking and Cleanable Gap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scales with underfloor load output face issues with unstable sealing and locking of the load application element, leading to weighing errors, contamination, and difficult maintenance, especially when exposed to cleaning agents or aggressive environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular seal with an inflatable sealing element that expands parallel to the load application element's longitudinal direction, applying forces in orthogonal directions to ensure secure sealing and stable locking, using a rotationally symmetrical closure module with a holder and counterbearing to center and position the load application element accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a labyrinth seal is used for scales with underfloor load output, then the seal structure is simple, but dirt accumulates in the seal and it is difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element is designed to be movable between a retracted position (for cleaning access) and an extended sealing position. This dynamic capability allows the seal to provide effective sealing during operation while enabling easy cleaning access when retracted, solving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and cleanability
Solution Approach 2:
The seal system is divided into separable components including the seal element, holder, and counterbearing that can be independently accessed and cleaned. This segmentation allows cleaning tools to reach into the seal area when the seal is retracted, making dirt removal feasible while maintaining sealing function during operation
2Reliability
If an inflatable seal extends radially toward a movable part, then the gap is closed, but the locking of the load application element is not sufficiently stable
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing action is extended from purely radial direction to include axial direction. The seal element applies force both radially against the housing and axially against the counterbearing on the load application element, creating stable locking in multiple dimensions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the seal element are designed with different functional properties: the radial portion provides sealing against the housing, while the axial portion provides locking force on the counterbearing. This localized functional differentiation achieves both gap sealing and stable locking
3Ease of repair
If the seal is made modular with inflatable element, then maintenance should be easier, but installation requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The holder incorporates self-centering features that automatically align the seal assembly with the housing opening during installation. This self-alignment mechanism eliminates the need for complex precision positioning procedures while maintaining modular ease of installation and maintenance
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 seal effectively prevents contamination and unintended loads on the scale housing while allowing easy and precise installation, maintaining measurement accuracy and reducing maintenance complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The seal includes a preferably rotationally symmetrical closure module that extends about a longitudinal axis ZA running in the vertical direction Z. The closure module, as a first important component of the seal, is provided for being fixed to the scale housing in the area where the load application element is led out of the scale housing.
Implementation Method 2
By changing the internal pressure of the sealing element, it may be selectively transferred from a rest state into a sealing state or back by inflating it (sealing state) or contracting it (rest state).
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular seal for scales, having a load application element which transmits a weight force in a vertical direction Z. The seal includes a closure module with a sealing element that forms a chamber that may be acted on by pressure, and a counterbearing that includes a sealing surface. The chamber may be acted on by a medium in such a way that a sealing section rests against the sealing surface in the vertical direction z.