Load Cell Overload Protection via Integrated Stop Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load cells lack a simple and cost-effective overload protection mechanism, making them susceptible to damage from static or dynamic impact forces during use or transport.
Innovation Solution
A load cell design featuring a load receiving member, a main member with a movable and fixed portion, and a load transmitting member that includes a parallel guiding mechanism and a stop portion, allowing for easy assembly and integration of overload protection through a single-piece load transmitting member made by die-casting or machining, which prevents excessive downward movement and absorbs loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a load cell is designed without overload protection or with imperfect overload protection, then the structure remains simple, but the electronic balance becomes easily damaged due to static or dynamic impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the overload protection function directly into the load transmitting member by forming a stop portion as an integrated feature of the single-piece structure. This merging of the protection mechanism into the existing structural component achieves reliable overload protection without adding separate protective devices, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If the load transmitting member comprises separate parts, then overload protection can be implemented, but the assembling work and product cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load transmitting member is designed as a single-piece component manufactured through die-casting or machining, with the stop portion formed as an integrated feature. This eliminates the need to assemble multiple separate parts to achieve overload protection, significantly reducing assembling work and product cost while maintaining the reliability of the protection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece load transmitting member simultaneously performs multiple functions: transmitting load forces, providing structural support, and implementing overload protection through the integrated stop portion. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate components into one universal part, reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing cost.
3Ease of operation
If the first mounting portion can move vertically relative to the second mounting portion, then the load cell can function properly under load, but excessive downward movement can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The stop portion is pre-positioned within the load transmitting member to prevent excessive downward movement of the first mounting portion relative to the second mounting portion. This preliminary protective feature is built into the structure before any overload occurs, automatically limiting the range of motion and preventing damage from impact forces while allowing normal operational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated stop portion acts as a pre-built protective mechanism that cushions against excessive downward movement. By having this limitation built into the single-piece structure beforehand, the load cell can safely handle static and dynamic impact forces without requiring additional protective components or complex assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A load cell is provided with protection against damage from overload. The load cell has a load receiving member, a main member and a load transmitting member. The main member has a movable portion, a fixed portion and a first parallel guiding member for connecting the fixed portion and the movable portion. The load transmitting member has a first mounting portion for mounting the load receiving member, a second mounting portion for mounting the movable portion and a parallel guiding member for connecting the first mounting portion to the second mounting portion. The first mounting portion is movable vertically relative to the second mounting portion when a load being applied on the first mounting portion. The load-transmitting member is a single piece. The load cell also has a stop portion for preventing the first mounting portion from further moving downwardly for overload protection.