Load Cell Conditioning Assembly for Drift and Creep Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Load cells in manufacturing often suffer from residual stresses such as drift and creep due to forming or machining, leading to inaccurate measurements over time, which is particularly problematic in commercial and medical settings.

Innovation Solution

A load cell conditioning machine applies controlled loads beyond the rated capacity of the load cells in the direction of intended use, redistributing stresses to create repeatable and consistent deformation, reducing drift and creep, and eliminating the need for frequent recalibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If load cells are manufactured using forming or machining processes, then they can be produced with required structural characteristics, but residual stresses are introduced causing drift and creep that degrade measurement accuracy over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural characteristicsVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by subjecting load cells to conditioning processes (such as applying controlled loads or thermal treatment) before they are installed and used. This pre-treatment stabilizes the load cell structure, redistributes residual stresses from manufacturing, and establishes repeatable deformation characteristics, thereby eliminating drift and creep that would otherwise degrade measurement accuracy over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of moving object

If load cells operate over extended periods, then they provide continuous measurement capability, but drift and creep accumulate leading to calibration degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous measurement capabilityVSAvoidcalibration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by subjecting load cells to conditioning processes (such as applying controlled loads or thermal treatment) before they are installed and used. This pre-treatment stabilizes the load cell structure, redistributes residual stresses from manufacturing, and establishes repeatable deformation characteristics, thereby eliminating drift and creep that would otherwise degrade measurement accuracy over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If frequent recalibration is performed to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is preserved, but operational time and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by subjecting load cells to conditioning processes (such as applying controlled loads or thermal treatment) before they are installed and used. This pre-treatment stabilizes the load cell structure, redistributes residual stresses from manufacturing, and establishes repeatable deformation characteristics, thereby eliminating drift and creep that would otherwise degrade measurement accuracy over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 process enhances measurement consistency and reliability by minimizing deformation over time, ensuring accurate readings without the need for frequent recalibration, especially in environments where recalibration is impractical.

Implementation Method 1

applying a load beyond a rated capacity of the one or more load cells... create repeatable and consistent deformation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

redistributing stresses to create repeatable and consistent deformation, reducing drift and creep

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress redistribution: Stress Relaxation

Implementation Method 3

They function based on the principle of strain gauges-small sensors that deform when subjected to force, causing a change in electrical resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain gauge effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 4

a motor mount assembly mounted within the frame assembly to provide power to the weight platform assembly... applying a load beyond a rated capacity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12584806B2Load cell conditioning machine

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 PAR EXCELLENCE SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A load cell conditioning machine is provided. The load cell conditioning machine includes a frame assembly; a weight platform assembly mounted within the frame assembly; one or more load arm assemblies in operative communication with the weight platform assembly; one or more load cell fixture support assemblies in operative communication with the load arm assembly; and a motor mount assembly mounted within the frame assembly to provide power to the weight platform assembly. One or more load cells are securable within the one or more load cell fixture support assemblies and the one or more load arm assemblies. The motor mount assembly powers the weight platform assembly to condition the one or more load cells by applying a load beyond a rated capacity of the one or more load cells.