Lateral Weighing Equipment for In-Motion Production Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current industrial weighing methods on production lines require objects to be weighed vertically, limiting positional freedom and causing inefficiencies due to the need for additional time and resource allocation, which reduces production speed and profitability.

Innovation Solution

A lateral weighing system that allows objects to be suspended relative to the equipment, enabling weighing in multiple positions and accommodating motion, thus reducing measurement deviations from vibrations and environmental interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If objects are weighed vertically on a plate or arm of the scale, then the weighing operation can be performed with conventional scales, but the freedom of positions is reduced and production speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefreedom of positionsVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional vertical weighing approach by implementing a lateral weighing system where the load cell measures forces perpendicular to the traditional vertical axis. This allows objects to be weighed in lateral positions rather than requiring vertical placement on a plate or arm, thereby increasing positional freedom while maintaining weighing accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from one-dimensional vertical weighing to multi-dimensional lateral weighing capability. By orienting the load cell to measure lateral forces, the system enables weighing in multiple positions and orientations, allowing objects to be weighed while in motion and integrating weighing operations directly into production line workflows without requiring separate vertical weighing stations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If weighing is performed vertically on a plate, then the weighing operation is simple, but additional time and resources are required which reduces profitability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweighing operation simplicityVSAvoidweighing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral weighing system enables continuous weighing operations without requiring objects to be stopped or placed on vertical scales. Objects can be weighed while moving along the production line, eliminating idle weighing time and allowing the production process to continue uninterrupted, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional scales are used for weighing, then the weighing operation can be completed, but the assembly of the production line must be optimized around scales which reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction line assemblyVSAvoidproduction line efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral load cell weighing system serves multiple functions within the production line environment. It can be integrated into robot heads or arms for dynamic weighing, positioned laterally to accommodate various object types and sizes, and implemented without requiring dedicated vertical weighing stations. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need to reorganize production line assembly around conventional scales, maintaining production line efficiency while enabling weighing operations

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

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 greater positional freedom, allows dynamic weighing in motion, and minimizes measurement deviations, enhancing production line efficiency and profitability by reducing the need for vertical assembly and accommodating various scales.

Implementation Method 1

a load cell with a weighing system having a force application point, a load boom arm for receiving the loads to be weighed at a position remote from the force application point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4276424B1Lateral weighing device
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 TEMLÓGICA - AUTOMACAO E SYST DE MEDIDA IND UNIPESSOAL LDA
  • EP4276424B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4276424B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4276424B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present invention concerns a side-weighing equipment. The side-weighing equipment comprises a chassis (1) comprising two plates: an L-shaped base (1.1) and an inverted L-shaped plate (1.2). Inside the chassis (1) there is at least one weighing element (3.1) and at least one standard element (3.2). The weighing equipment is preferably mounted on external support means by the base (1.1), being able to weigh objects or materials that are mounted on the vertical wall of the plate (1.2). This enables objects or materials to be weighed laterally in relation to the equipment of the present invention. The equipment of the present invention also enables the weighing of moving objects, so it is not necessary for the object to be weighed to remain static in order to be weighed.