Automated Laundry Weighing Apparatus with Self-Calibrating Load Cell
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Load cells in automated laundry installations lose calibration over time due to material fatigue and mechanical wear, leading to inaccurate weight measurements, which results in inefficient laundry processing and requires complex, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous manual calibration.
Innovation Solution
An automated weighing apparatus with a vertically extending weighing assembly that includes a lifting cylinder, load cell, and calibration device, allowing for automatic calibration by exerting a known force on the load cell, thereby maintaining accurate weight measurements without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed periodically, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time and productivity are increased due to complex, time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration device pre-positions calibration weights and automatically engages with the load cell before measurement begins. The system performs preliminary alignment and setup of calibration components, eliminating the need for manual preparation and reducing calibration time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration automatically without requiring manual intervention. The calibration device autonomously applies known weights to the load cell, detects the readings, calculates correction factors, and adjusts the measurement system, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual calibration procedures.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to inaccessibility and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration device acts as an intermediary mechanism that automatically interfaces with the load cell through the container rail system. It provides a safe, automated method for applying calibration weights and reading measurements, eliminating the need for operatives to physically access difficult-to-reach areas of the weighing apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with an automated calibration device that uses mechanical linkages and sensors to apply weights and read measurements. This substitution eliminates safety hazards associated with manual intervention in inaccessible areas while maintaining calibration precision.
3Productivity
If calibration is performed rarely, then operational continuity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to load cell drift from material fatigue and mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration device is designed to perform calibration operations continuously or at frequent intervals without interrupting the weighing process. It maintains continuous monitoring and adjustment capabilities, ensuring measurement precision is preserved despite load cell drift from material fatigue and mechanical wear over time.
4Productivity
If automated calibration is implemented, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional calibration components
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration device is designed to perform multiple functions using a single integrated mechanism. It can apply calibration weights, read measurements, calculate correction factors, and adjust the load cell through a unified automated system, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 automated calibration system ensures continuous and accurate weight measurements, reducing downtime and manual maintenance needs, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the laundry processing system.
Implementation Method 1
measurement of the combined mass of the bin and laundry contained therein, allowing the computer controller to determine the mass (and volume where relevant) of the laundry contained therein
Implementation Method 2
automated calibration by exerting a known force on the load cell
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
An automated weighing apparatus (101) is disclosed. The apparatus (101) comprises a container (201) for containing at least one object, a container rail (202) for supporting the container (201) and allowing inflow and outflow of empty and full containers (201) respectively, a support frame (203) for suspending the container rail (202) and monitoring the weight of the container (202) hanging therefrom by way of a weighing assembly (204). The weighing assembly (204) further comprises a lifting cylinder (301), load cell (302) and calibration device (303) for laundry weighing and apparatus calibrating purposes. The apparatus (101) obviates present issues in commercial laundering installation failures and downtime resulting from load cell (302) inaccuracies, whilst presenting a more completely automated system for industrial optimisation.