Load Cell Flexure Absorbs Impact Shock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Load cell assemblies in weighing devices are prone to permanent distortion and accuracy loss due to excessive shock forces, which compromise the accuracy of strain gauge measurements.
Innovation Solution
A load cell assembly with a first cutout window and a one-dimensional flexure arrangement, where the flexure arrangement is designed to absorb impact and prevent permanent distortion, using a vibration suppressing material with specific Shore A hardness and modulus of elasticity, and a dampening arrangement to mitigate the amplitude of electrical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid load cell body is used to maintain structural integrity, then measurement accuracy is maintained under normal conditions, but permanent distortion occurs under excessive shock forces
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell body is segmented into rigid and flexible regions through strategically placed cutout windows. These windows create flexure arrangements that allow controlled deformation in specific areas while maintaining rigidity in the strain gauge measurement zones, enabling the structure to absorb shock without permanent distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure arrangement with cutout windows is designed in advance to absorb impact forces before they can cause permanent distortion to the rigid load cell body. The flexible regions act as pre-designed cushioning elements that deform elastically under shock loads, protecting the critical measurement components.
2Reliability
If cutout windows are added to create flexure arrangements for shock absorption, then impact resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexure arrangement is merged directly into the load cell body as an integral feature rather than a separate component. The cutout windows are formed directly in the load cell structure, combining the shock-absorbing flexure function with the load-bearing structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining impact resistance.
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 solution effectively absorbs impact and reduces permanent distortion, maintaining measurement accuracy and stability under shock forces, while maintaining the profile and functionality of the load cell assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the second cutout window shaped and positioned to at least partially absorb an impact delivered to a top surface of the load cell body
Implementation Method 2
at least one strain-sensing gage, mounted on at least a first surface of the load cell body, the strain-sensing gage adapted to measure a strain in the first surface
Data Source
AI summary
A weighing scale and a load cell assembly therefor, the weighing scale including: (a) a weighing platform; (b) a base; and (c) a load cell arrangement including: (i) a load cell body, disposed below the platform and above the base, the body secured to the platform at a first position along a length of the body, and secured to the base at a second position along the length, the load cell body having a first cutout window transversely disposed through the body, the window adapted such that a downward force exerted on a top face of the weighing platform distorts the window to form a distorted window; and (ii) at least one strain-sensing gage, mounted on at least a first surface of the load cell body, the strain-sensing gage adapted to measure a strain in the first surface; and (d) an at least a one-dimensional flexure arrangement having at least a second cutout window transversely disposed through the body, the second cutout window shaped and positioned to at least partially absorb an impact delivered to a top surface of the load cell body.