Load Sensing System Stabilized Fulcrums Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Load sensing systems for platform weigh scales face challenges in accuracy due to vertical and horizontal directional force components, particularly when subjected to vibrations and variable loading, which can compromise the effectiveness of built-in compensation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A load sensing system with at least two opposing sensing assemblies, each comprising a load cell placed between levers with longitudinally inextensible force transmission links and laterally stabilized horizontal fulcrums, providing loading signals independent of load location and minimizing extraneous moments by using flexure plates for lateral stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional load sensing system with single point load cells is used, then the system is simple in structure, but the measurement precision deteriorates when subjected to vibrations and off-center loading
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple opposing sensing assemblies, each with its own load cell and lever mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex loading conditions by distributing the measurement function across multiple independent but coordinated sensing elements, thereby improving measurement precision without creating an unmanageably complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
Opposing sensing assemblies are positioned to counterbalance each other, with levers arranged to provide mechanical counterweight effects. This configuration compensates for off-center loading and vibration-induced errors by creating balanced force systems that naturally cancel out destabilizing influences, improving measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If flexure plates are added to provide lateral stability, then the reliability of weight measurement improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Flexure plates are used as thin, flexible mechanical elements to provide lateral stabilization of the lever mechanisms. These plates allow controlled flexing to accommodate loading variations while maintaining structural integrity and preventing excessive lateral movement, thereby improving measurement reliability without adding significant structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fulcrum bearing surfaces are designed with curved or rounded geometries that work in conjunction with the flexure plates. This curvature allows for smooth rotational movement and better contact distribution, enhancing the stabilizing effect of the flexure plates while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If opposing sensing assemblies with levers are used, then the system can sum non-axial loads effectively, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The opposing sensing assemblies are designed with universal mounting patterns and standardized lever configurations that can accommodate various loading scenarios. The same basic assembly configuration can handle both axial and non-axial loads, as well as different load positions, reducing the need for specialized adjustments and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arms are designed with equal moment arms and balanced mechanical advantages that create equipotential conditions for load measurement. This symmetry in the mechanical design ensures that loads applied at different positions or angles are automatically balanced and summed correctly, eliminating the need for complex calibration or adjustment procedures.
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 enhances accuracy and quick settling, extending gravimetric running time, especially in loss-in-weight feeder systems, by reducing the impact of vibrations and variable loading, and allows for convenient summing of non-axial loads, thereby improving the stability and reliability of weight measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a flexure plate is aligned in parallel with the lever longitudinal axis... to provide lateral stability for that lever
Implementation Method 2
a sensor having a support surface, a force transmission platform, and an output representative of total force applied to the force transmission platform
Data Source
AI summary
A load sensing system having at least one load sensing assembly for use with a weigh frame, each assembly including at least a first lever and a second lever. Each lever has a lever longitudinal axis, a lever fulcrum section, a lever load section, and a lever connector section spaced from the lever fulcrum section and the lever load section along the lever longitudinal axis. For each lever, a flexure plate is aligned in parallel with the lever longitudinal axis and has a middle bearing portion and opposing end portions with one of the end portions fixedly attached to its respective lever. Each lever fulcrum section has a lever bearing surface including one of (i) a line-of-contact rounded bearing edge oriented perpendicular to the lever longitudinal axis or (ii) a flat bearing face. The lever bearing surface of each lever touches the middle bearing portion of the flexure plate. Each assembly further includes a sensor having a support surface, a force transmission platform, and an output representative of total force applied to the force transmission platform. At least one force transmission link is adapted to connect each lever connector section to the force transmission platform, and at least one load link is adapted to connect the lever load section of each lever to the weigh frame.