Monolithic Parallel-Guiding Weigh Module Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional weigh modules for electronic balances face challenges such as large size, complex assembly, high costs, and reduced precision due to their multi-component structure and complex machining processes, which hinder advancements in size reduction, precision, and assembly efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact, monolithic parallel-guiding mechanism with a load-receiving portion, fixing portion, and parallel-guiding members formed integrally by machining or die cast molding, featuring a unique mounting structure and groove design for stress relief and easy assembly, allowing for a small volume, high strength, and low manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional weigh modules use multiple die cast parts and mechanical parts assembly, then the production technology is mature, but the volume is large, assembly is complex, and quality is unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the load-receiving portion, fixing portion, and parallel-guiding members into a single integrated structure formed by one piece of solid material. This eliminates the need for multiple die cast parts and mechanical assemblies, directly resolving the contradiction by reducing assembly complexity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through advanced machining or die cast molding processes
2Device complexity
If highly integrated one-piece weigh modules are produced by narrow wire cutting groove or CNC machining, then the integration is high, but the process is complex, rejection rate is high, and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameters by using either advanced machining processes or die cast molding to form the integrated structure from one piece of solid material. This approach maintains high integration while optimizing the manufacturing process to reduce complexity, rejection rate, and cost compared to traditional narrow wire cutting or CNC machining methods
3Device complexity
If semi-integrated weigh modules are produced by machining, then the integration is moderate, but the structure layout is unreasonable and assembly is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fully merges the load-receiving portion, fixing portion, and parallel-guiding members into a single integrated structure. This complete integration eliminates the assembly inconvenience and unreasonable structure layout issues present in semi-integrated modules, while the monolithic design ensures optimal structural arrangement for both functionality and ease of assembly
4Adaptability or versatility
If parallel-guiding members are assembled by thread joint, then the assembly is flexible, but it takes a lot of time and accuracy is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the parallel-guiding members with the load-receiving portion and fixing portion into a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for thread joint assembly entirely, directly resolving the contradiction by reducing assembly time while maintaining the structural flexibility and adaptability needed for different applications
5Ease of operation
If mounting member is disposed outside the space between parallel-guiding members, then the lever connection is achieved, but the volume is large and assembly accuracy is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the mounting structure within the space between the parallel-guiding members by forming it as an integral part of the monolithic structure. This eliminates the need for external mounting members, directly resolving the contradiction by reducing the overall volume while maintaining the lever connection capability through the integrated design
Data Source
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AI summary
A parallel-guiding mechanism in accordance with the present invention comprises a load- receiving portion for receiving a load of a to be weighed object; a fixing portion including an end portion, an extending portion extending forwardly from the end portion and mounting portions extending forwardly from the extending portion, and parallel-guiding members connecting the load-receiving portion to the fixing portion. The mounting portions include a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. A receiving space is formed between the first mounting portion, the second mounting portion and the extending portion for receiving at least a portion of the load-receiving portion. A containing space for receiving the extending portion is formed between the parallel-guiding members, the load-receiving portion and the end portion. The parallel-guiding members include an upper parallel-guiding member and a lower parallel-guiding member. The load-receiving portion, the fixing portion and the parallel-guiding members are formed integrally of one piece of solid material.