Load Cell Stopper Mechanism Prevents Permanent Strain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load cell scales lack a mechanism to prevent deformation of gravimetric sensors when a load exceeding their maximum capacity is applied, leading to potential permanent strain and inaccurate weight measurements.
Innovation Solution
A load cell scale design featuring a columnar load cell part with a strain portion that can elastically deform and a stopper part to restrict deformation beyond a predetermined load, ensuring accurate weight measurement across varying loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the load cell is designed with a larger measurement range to accommodate heavier loads, then the maximum weight capacity is improved, but the resolution for lighter objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell is divided into multiple independent strain gauges (first strain gauge, second strain gauge, third strain gauge, fourth strain gauge) arranged at different positions on the columnar body. Each strain gauge measures deformation in specific directions, and their combined signals enable the system to achieve both high resolution for light objects and high capacity for heavy objects through differential measurement techniques.
2Strength
If the load cell allows greater deformation to increase measurement range, then the maximum weight capacity is improved, but the risk of permanent strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper part is pre-installed at a predetermined position on the columnar body to prevent excessive deformation before it can cause permanent damage. When the load reaches a certain threshold, the stopper engages with the lateral surface, physically limiting further deformation and protecting the strain gauges from permanent strain, thus ensuring the load cell can be reused.
3Device complexity
If a simple spring mechanism is used to support the load cell, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability during weighting deteriorates due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism uses a composite structure combining a spring part made of elastic material and a stopper part made of rigid material. The spring provides initial cushioning and supports normal operation, while the stopper provides rigid constraint when needed. This composite approach reduces vibration during weighting while maintaining simplicity of the overall mechanism.
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 design effectively restricts deformation even under loads exceeding the maximum weighting, allowing for accurate switching between different weightings and preventing permanent strain, thus enhancing the service life and reliability of the load cell scale.
Implementation Method 1
the load cell part has a strain portion capable of elastically deforming
Data Source
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AI summary
A load cell scale has a load cell part formed in a columnar shape, the load cell part having a upper surface extending along a longitudinal axis and a lateral surface intersecting with the upper surface, and a stopper part configured to restrict deformation occurring in the load cell due to a load exceeding a predetermined value and applied to the load cell, wherein the load cell part has a strain portion capable of elastically deforming and the strain portion penetrates the load cell part from the lateral surface in a short direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and wherein the stopper portion is provided to be connected to the lateral surface of the load cell part.