Load Cell Circuitry for Instantaneous Weight and Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the weight and relative position of an object on a weighing surface require pre-programmed tables and cannot provide instantaneous measurements, limiting their effectiveness in applications such as hospital beds where real-time monitoring is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A system using first, second, third, and fourth load cells with strain gauges and circuitry that simultaneously calculates weight and position by combining and subtracting electrical signals from the strain gauges to produce tared signals, allowing for real-time monitoring and triggering alarms when the object approaches unwanted positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-programmed tables and multi-purpose computers are used to calculate weight and position, then measurement capability is provided, but instantaneous measurement and real-time monitoring are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/computational system (multi-purpose computer with pre-programmed tables) with an electrical circuit system that performs calculations through electrical signal processing. The circuit simultaneously computes weight and position by algebraically combining outputs from four load cells, eliminating the need for sequential computer processing and achieving instantaneous measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures the circuit with fixed algebraic relationships (summing circuits for weight, differential circuits for position) that are established before operation. This preliminary setup allows the system to immediately calculate weight and position without requiring real-time computation or lookup tables, thus achieving instantaneous measurement.
2Measurement precision
If four load cells at corners are used to determine weight and position, then weight measurement is achieved, but instantaneous position indication and real-time monitoring are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sequential computer-based position calculation with simultaneous electrical circuit computation. The circuit uses parallel signal processing paths where summing amplifiers calculate weight while differential amplifiers calculate position coordinates at the same time, achieving both measurements instantaneously without sequential processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the weight measurement function and position measurement function into a single integrated circuit system. By combining the output signals from all four load cells through a network of summing and differential amplifiers, the system simultaneously produces both weight and position information from the same input signals, improving productivity by eliminating separate measurement processes.
3Measurement precision
If multi-purpose computers with pre-programmed tables are used, then weight and position can be calculated, but the system complexity and requirement for pre-programmed tables increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex software-based system (multi-purpose computer with pre-programmed tables and algorithms) with a simpler hardware-based electrical circuit system. The circuit uses standard electrical components (amplifiers, summing networks, differential networks) that inherently perform the calculation functions, eliminating the need for software programming, storage tables, and complex data processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the circuit to automatically perform calculations without external control or programming. The algebraic relationships are built into the circuit topology itself, allowing the system to self-determine weight and position directly from the load cell inputs without requiring external computers, pre-programmed tables, or complex control logic.
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
Enables instantaneous determination of weight and position, allowing for timely alerts and improved safety by providing continuous, real-time monitoring without the need for pre-programmed tables, enhancing safety in applications like hospital beds.
Implementation Method 1
first, second, third, and fourth load cells having respective first, second, third, and fourth strain gauges. The strain gauges are configured to measure strain at the load cells caused by the object on the weighing surface
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed systems and methods allow the weight and relative position of an object on a weighing surface to be simultaneously determined using a circuit that does not require pre-programmed tables and that can be used in an analog or digital environment. One example system includes first, second, third, and fourth load cells having respective first, second, third, and fourth strain gauges. The strain gauges are configured to measure strain at the load cells caused by the object on the weighing surface. The system also includes circuitry configured to simultaneously determine weight and position of the object on the weighing surface, and a display that reports the weight of the object, a longitudinal position of the object, and a lateral position of the object.