Load Cell Support Adapters for Compact Silo Weight Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring and measuring the weight of structures like silos require large footprints, heavy components, and complex installations, often necessitating drilling into concrete and are cumbersome to replace or install, especially when the silo is mounted on blocks.
Innovation Solution
A system using a compression load cell with mounting holes and a shimming mechanism, combined with a temporary or permanent lifting device, allows for easy attachment to a structure's support element without drilling, reducing the footprint and installation time, and utilizing a custom-designed S-shaped load cell with strain gauges for precise weight measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a prior art lifting system is used to monitor silo weight, then weight measurement capability is achieved, but the system requires large footprint and heavy components
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the weight measurement function into multiple load cells distributed at different support points of the silo structure. Each load cell independently measures the weight at its location, and the total weight is calculated by summing individual measurements. This segmentation allows using smaller, lighter load cells instead of a single large weighing platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cells serve dual functions: they act as both structural support elements for the silo and as measurement devices for weight monitoring. By integrating the measurement function into existing support structures rather than adding separate dedicated weighing equipment, the system avoids the need for heavy specialized weighing platforms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If prior art systems are installed on concrete blocks, then stable support is achieved, but drilling holes in concrete is required which increases installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the weight measurement function from the ground/concrete support structure and relocates it to the silo support legs themselves. By placing load cells at the interface between silo legs and ground supports, the system eliminates the need to drill into concrete blocks while maintaining stable support through the load cell's integration into the load path.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cell acts as an intermediary element between the silo structure and the ground support. Instead of directly anchoring to concrete (which requires drilling), the load cell provides a mechanical interface that transfers loads while enabling measurement, thus mediating between the structure and ground without requiring concrete modification.
3Measurement precision
If traditional weighing equipment is used for silo monitoring, then weight measurement is achieved, but replacement and installation are cumbersome requiring heavy lifting equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing system is segmented into multiple independent load cells rather than a single integrated weighing platform. This allows individual load cells to be replaced independently without requiring replacement of the entire weighing system, significantly reducing the complexity and equipment needed for maintenance and repair operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement function is extracted from heavy structural weighing platforms and implemented through compact load cells that can be independently installed and replaced. This extraction enables maintenance personnel to work with smaller, lighter components that do not require heavy lifting equipment for installation or replacement.
4Ease of operation
If a load cell assembly is designed with mounting holes for support elements, then easy attachment is achieved, but the design must accommodate various support configurations increasing design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell assembly incorporates multiple mounting holes and attachment features that allow it to be universally attached to different support element configurations (vertical legs, horizontal beams, angled supports). This universal design enables the same load cell model to serve multiple attachment scenarios without requiring custom-designed variants for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cell assembly includes adjustable and flexible mounting options that can adapt to different support element positions and orientations. The dynamic attachment capability allows the mounting holes and fastening mechanisms to be positioned and configured as needed during installation, accommodating various structural arrangements without redesign.
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 system provides a compact, efficient, and quick installation process that minimizes mechanical stress on the structure, reduces the need for heavy lifting equipment, and ensures accurate weight monitoring with reduced complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a strain gauge attached to a load cell supporting the weight of the said reservoir... analyzing the variation in electric or optical signal of a strain gauge
Data Source
AI summary
A system to monitor weight of a reservoir or a structure comprises a load cell which comprises an electrical or optical transducer to provide a proportional signal of the deformation, a load cell base support for holding the load cell on the ground substantially about the axis of the support element of the reservoir, a load cell support adapter to attach the loadcell to the support member of the reservoir. The cell support adapter may comprise an opening or a shouldering anchor aiming at facilitating attachment to a temporary lifting device.