Load Cell Unit Layout for Thin Weight Scale Leveling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weight measurement devices with adjustment legs either have a rigid structure that increases thickness or require legs positioned directly below load cells, leading to a bulky design.

Innovation Solution

A load cell unit with a recessed and projected shape part that houses the load cell and an adjustment leg mechanism, allowing for height adjustment without increasing the device's thickness, by using a pair of screw parts to adjust the position of the adjustment leg.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If adjustment legs are provided directly below load cells to achieve leveling function, then the device can be leveled on inclined surfaces, but the total thickness of the device becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling functionVSAvoidtotal thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment leg is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (directly below the load cell) to a horizontal arrangement (at the side of the load cell). This dimensional change allows the adjustment mechanism to operate in the lateral direction rather than the vertical direction, thereby reducing the total thickness of the device while maintaining the leveling function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism is separated from the load cell assembly and integrated into the adjustment leg positioned at the side. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's position and function, enabling the load cell to be placed directly on the measurement surface while the adjustment mechanism operates separately, reducing overall device thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If adjustment legs are provided at positions remote from load cells to achieve leveling function, then the device can be leveled on inclined surfaces, but a rigid structure is required which increases the total thickness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling functionVSAvoidstructural rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment leg is merged with the housing structure at the side of the load cell, integrating the adjustment mechanism into the existing structural framework. This merging eliminates the need for separate rigid support structures that would increase thickness, as the housing itself provides the necessary structural support while accommodating the adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid structure is used to support adjustment legs at remote positions, then the device can maintain structural integrity, but the total thickness of the device becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidtotal thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The housing structure is designed with localized reinforcement at specific areas where structural integrity is needed, rather than using a uniformly rigid structure throughout. This allows the housing to provide adequate support for the adjustment mechanism while maintaining a thin overall profile in non-critical areas, thus reducing total thickness without compromising structural integrity.

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 reduces the overall thickness of the weight measurement device while maintaining performance by integrating the adjustment leg mechanism into the recessed and projected shape part, allowing for precise leveling without bulkiness.

Implementation Method 1

comprises an adjustment mechanism part for height position adjustment at a position opposed to a side part of the recessed and projected shape part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4425120B1Weight measurement device and load cell unit
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 TANITA CORP
  • EP4425120B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP4425120B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4425120B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A weight measurement device comprises: a housing cover to receive weight of a measurement target; a plurality of load cells to support the housing cover and detect the weight; a housing base comprising, for each of the plurality of load cells, a recessed and projected shape part comprising: a recessed part open upward to at least partially contain each load cell and fix the load cell; and a projected part projected downward corresponding to the recessed part; and an adjustment leg which at least partially contains the recessed and projected shape part, and comprises an adjustment mechanism part for height position adjustment at a position opposed to a side part of the recessed and projected shape part.