Load Cell Support Structure for Filling Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load cell supports in filling machines are not fully effective in preventing vapor and liquid infiltration, leading to interference with the load cell's deformation and reduced machine lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A support structure for the load cell comprising a block and protruding arms without coverings, utilizing adjustable abutments to limit movement and prevent liquid stagnation, ensuring optimal operating conditions and extended lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If protective coverings are provided for the load cell, then protection against liquid infiltration is improved, but interference with the free deformation of the load cell increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid infiltration protectionVSAvoidload cell deformation freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the protective covering entirely, extracting the harmful element that caused interference with load cell deformation. The load cell is left exposed without any enclosing structure, eliminating the trade-off between protection and deformation freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is divided into separate arms that hold the load cell without forming a continuous enclosing covering. This segmentation allows the load cell to deform freely while still providing structural support and positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If protective devices are provided for the load cell, then protection against vapors and liquids is improved, but liquid stagnation within the devices occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevapor and liquid protectionVSAvoidliquid stagnation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The protective covering that caused liquid stagnation is completely removed. The load cell operates in an open environment where liquids cannot accumulate or stagnate within enclosing structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The support arms are designed to allow dynamic movement and drainage, preventing liquid accumulation. The structure does not create enclosed spaces where liquids could stagnate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a covered support structure is used, then protection against liquid infiltration is improved, but interference with load cell function increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid infiltration protectionVSAvoidload cell functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The covering is extracted from the support structure, eliminating the source of interference with load cell functionality while maintaining structural support through open arms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure provides localized support at specific points through arms, rather than a continuous covering. This allows the load cell to function freely in the spaces between support points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 excludes liquid infiltration, maintaining the load cell's functionality and extending its lifespan by preventing interference with its deformation.

Implementation Method 1

the flexing induced in the bar by the weight of the liquid introduced in the container, which is proportional to such weight, is recorded by means of strain gauges that send the signals cited above to the control unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain gauge measurement: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2242716B1Support for load cell in filling machine
Publication Date: 2013.12.18 WEIGHTPACK
  • EP2242716B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2242716B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2242716B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A support (5, 6) for a load cell (7) in a filling machine comprising a block (5) that is adapted to be fixed to a container conveyance element (1) and is designed to support the load cell (7) locked at an end thereof, means (10a, 10b, 11a, l ib, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) being provided for limiting the movements of the load cell which act by abutment between the cell and at least one arm (5b, 5c) that is laterally adjacent to the cell and is spaced, extending from the block without any covering.