Column-Type Load Cell Tilt Compensation for Accurate Weighing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tilt compensation methods for column-type load cells in weighing systems are inadequate, leading to inaccurate weight measurements due to tilting and temperature differences, and existing solutions are not applicable to complex scenarios like vehicle scales.

Innovation Solution

A tilt compensation method and apparatus that includes tilt and horizontal rotation angle calibrations, using accelerometers and magnetometers to measure and correct weight, tilt, and rotation angles, calculating compensation values to adjust for misalignment, and ensuring accurate weight measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing tilt compensation algorithms are used for column-type load cells, then measurement precision may be improved, but the solution is not applicable to complex scenarios like vehicle scales and multi-point applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight measurement accuracyVSAvoidapplicability to different weighing scenarios
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a universal tilt compensation method that works across multiple weighing scenarios including vehicle scales, platform scales, and multi-point applications. The method uses a standardized calibration procedure and compensation algorithm that can be applied to column-type load cells in various configurations, making the solution adaptable to different weighing systems rather than scenario-specific

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces adjustable calibration parameters including tilt angle thresholds, compensation coefficients, and calibration weight values that can be modified based on specific application requirements. This allows the same fundamental method to adapt to different weighing scenarios by changing parameters rather than requiring different algorithms for each scenario

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If tilt compensation is performed using calibration and correction algorithms, then weight measurement accuracy under tilted conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and computation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The load cell system performs self-calibration and self-compensation by using its own tilt angle sensor data and embedded processing capabilities. The system automatically detects tilt conditions, applies compensation algorithms, and corrects weight measurements without requiring external calibration equipment or complex additional hardware, making the system self-sufficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment and adjustment mechanisms with electronic tilt sensing and software-based compensation algorithms. Instead of requiring precise mechanical installation and physical adjustment mechanisms, the system uses accelerometers or tilt angle sensors combined with computational correction to achieve accurate measurements under tilted conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If the load cell is installed without precise vertical alignment, then ease of installation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to tilt errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidweight measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary tilt calibration during the installation phase by measuring the load cell's tilt angle in its installed position and storing this information for use in compensation calculations. This preliminary action allows the system to account for installation deviations without requiring perfectly precise vertical alignment during installation, thus maintaining ease of installation while ensuring measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Provides accurate tilt compensation for column-type load cells, ensuring precise weight measurements by correcting for tilt and rotation errors, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of weighing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a tilt angle calibration and a horizontal rotation angle calibration on the column-type load cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The tilt compensation method applicable to a weighing system having a column-type load cell, including the steps of: S1: performing a tilt angle calibration and a horizontal rotation angle calibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 3

a tilt angle calibration and a horizontal rotation angle calibration on the column-type load cell of the weighing system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetometer: Magnetometer

Data Source

PatentEP4445105B1Tilt compensation apparatus and tilt compensation method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 METTLER TOLEDO (CHANGZHOU) PRECISION INSTR CO LTD
  • EP4445105B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4445105B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4445105B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a tilt compensation apparatus and a tilt compensation method for a weighing system comprising a column-type load cell. The tilt compensation method includes: S1: performing tilt angle calibration and horizontal rotation angle calibration on the weighing system; S2: aligning the column-type load cell to a specified tilt angle and a specified horizontal rotation angle, and measuring a weight, a tilt angle, and a horizontal rotation angle under load; S3: calculating a weight compensation value based on the specified tilt angle and the specified horizontal rotation angle as well as the measured weight, tilt angle, and horizontal rotation angle; and S4: calculating an actual weighing weight based on an actual measured weight of the weighing system and the weight compensation value. According to the tilt compensation apparatus and the tilt compensation method therefor proposed in the present invention, accurate tilt compensation can be provided for the weighing system having a column-type load cell.