Load Cell Recess for Circuit Board Height Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load cells have a minimum construction height limited by the height of the circuit board, which restricts the design of scales and increases the overall size of the measurement body.
Innovation Solution
A load cell design featuring a recess at the force reception section to accommodate the circuit board horizontally, allowing for a smaller construction height independent of the circuit board dimensions, with electrical connections made via bonding or bonding wires, and a protective cover for the circuit board to enhance protection and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the circuit board is attached edgewise laterally to the force reception section, then the electrical connection is simplified, but the construction height of the load cell is increased to at least the width of the circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is repositioned from a lateral edgewise attachment to a horizontal insertion into a recess at the upper side of the force reception section. This dimensional change allows the circuit board to be accommodated within the horizontal plane rather than extending vertically, thereby reducing the construction height while maintaining electrical connection simplicity through direct accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board is nested within a recess bounded at three sides at the upper side of the force reception section. This nesting approach allows the circuit board to be housed within the load cell structure itself, eliminating the need for external lateral attachment and reducing the overall construction height to only what is physically necessary for the measurement body.
2Length of stationary object
If the circuit board is inserted horizontally into a recess at the upper side of the force reception section, then the construction height is reduced, but the recess requires additional structural features
Solution Approach 1:
The recess serves multiple functions simultaneously: it accommodates the circuit board horizontally to reduce construction height, provides structural integration for the circuit board within the measurement body, and maintains accessibility for electrical connections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lateral mounting structures, making the overall design more efficient despite the added recess feature.
3Length of stationary object
If the circuit board is arranged at the upper side on the measurement body, then the construction height is minimized, but electrical connection to strain gauges requires bonding or bonding wires
Solution Approach 1:
Bonding wires serve as intermediaries to establish electrical connections between the circuit board and strain gauges. These thin wire connections allow electrical pathways to be created through the measurement body structure without requiring the circuit board to be in direct physical contact with the strain gauges, thus maintaining the minimized construction height while enabling manufacturable electrical connections.
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 a significantly smaller construction height for the load cell, simplifies electrical connections, and protects the electronics, while maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of the measurement body.
Implementation Method 1
at least one strain gauge arranged at the upper side on the joint section for detecting a stretching deformation of the measurement body
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a load cell for a scale having a monolithically configured measurement body that has a force reception section, a force introduction section, and a joint section arranged between the force reception section and the force introduction section, wherein the measurement body has a longitudinal axis and an axial end at the force reception side and an axial end at the force introduction side; having at least one strain gauge arranged at the upper side on the joint section for detecting a stretching deformation of the measurement body; and having a circuit board that is electrically connected to the at least one strain gauge, that is arranged at the force reception side, and that has electronics arranged thereon for processing at least one output signal of the at least one strain gauge.