Load Cell Bushing Structure for Low-Profile Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weight sensors, such as those using planar beam load cells, are bulky and tall, occupying unnecessary space and requiring complex hardware for assembly and maintenance, which is not suitable for compact environments.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile bushing design for load cells that isolates vibrations and reduces height by utilizing space above, below, and through the load cell, eliminating the need for fastening hardware and enabling tool-less installation and removal of the load bearing platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional thick rubber isolators are used to isolate vibrations, then vibration isolation is improved, but the overall height of the weight sensor becomes bulky and tall
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is inserted into a hole formed through the load cell, nesting the vibration isolation component within the load cell structure itself. This eliminates the need for external mounting and reduces the overall height by utilizing the internal space of the load cell rather than adding height externally.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reducing vibration isolation height in the vertical dimension, the invention moves the isolation mechanism into the horizontal dimension by inserting the bushing through the load cell. The vibration isolation function is achieved through the bushing's material properties and its positioning within the load cell's internal geometry, effectively trading vertical space for horizontal utilization.
2Reliability
If complex fastening hardware is used to secure the load bearing platform, then structural reliability is improved, but assembly and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing's geometry itself provides the retention function. The first and second portions with larger cross-sectional areas engage with the hole's entrance and exit, while the reduced third portion in the middle allows the bushing to be retained within the hole without requiring separate fastening hardware. The structure serves its own retention purpose through its own geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention function is merged with the vibration isolation function in a single component. The bushing simultaneously provides vibration isolation through its material properties and structural retention through its geometric design, eliminating the need for separate fastening hardware and simplifying the overall assembly.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional bushing designs are used, then vibration isolation is achieved, but the profile height is increased and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is nested within the load cell's internal geometry, utilizing the space above, below, and through the load cell. This nesting approach allows the bushing to provide vibration isolation while maintaining a low profile, as it uses the existing internal volume of the load cell rather than adding external height.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing is segmented into three portions with varying cross-sectional areas. This segmentation allows the bushing to engage with the load cell at multiple points (first and second portions) while maintaining a reduced profile in the middle section (third portion), effectively distributing the vibration isolation function throughout the bushing's length while minimizing overall height.
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 bushing design achieves a significant height reduction of up to 70% and simplifies assembly and maintenance by allowing tool-less operation, reducing non-normal loads on the load cells and minimizing hardware requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a bushing removably coupleable with the load cell... to isolate the load cell from vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A bushing for a load cell that reduces assembly height and measurement error and enables tool-less insertion and removal to a mount hole of a load cell and to connect with a load bearing surface of a weight system is described herein. The bushing may include a first end having a tapered surface for inserting into a mounting hole of a load plate. The bushing also includes a second end and a middle portion. The middle portion has a diameter less than the first end and the second end. The bushing defines an internal passageway with fins arranged along the inside thereof. The fins are disposed at an angle with respect to a radius of the internal passageway. The fins may interface with a pin to couple to a load bearing plate of a weight sensor system.