Nested Shift Weight Carrier for Weighing Cell Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic load cells face limitations in implementing a large number of substitution and adjustment states due to asymmetrical loading and space constraints, leading to measurement errors and inefficiencies in weight measurement ranges.
Innovation Solution
A carrier unit with nested shift weight carriers and parallel links allows for vertical movement, increasing the number of adjustment and substitution states while minimizing installation space, using a lifting unit to selectively position shift weights above the load receptor for balanced loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single shift weight carrier is used, then the device structure is simple, but the number of substitution and adjustment states is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested shift weight carriers where the first carrier is positioned within the spatial envelope of the second carrier. Both carriers share common parallel links and articulation points with the crossbeam, allowing them to be nested vertically without requiring separate support structures. This nesting arrangement enables multiple substitution and adjustment states while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the weight shifting function into two separate carriers, each capable of independent vertical movement. The first shift weight carrier and second shift weight carrier can be independently positioned at different heights, allowing for multiple combination states. This segmentation enables a greater number of substitution and adjustment states compared to a single carrier system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shift weight carriers are added to increase adjustment states, then the number of substitution and adjustment states increases, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the first shift weight carrier within the spatial envelope of the second carrier, allowing both carriers to share the same vertical column space. The carriers are arranged concentrically around the load-bearing pin, with the first carrier having a smaller radius than the second carrier. This nesting arrangement enables multiple adjustment states while minimizing the horizontal installation space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension to accommodate multiple carriers by allowing them to move independently in the vertical direction while sharing the same horizontal footprint. The parallel links and articulation mechanisms are arranged to permit vertical movement without increasing the horizontal space occupied by the device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shift weights are applied asymmetrically to extend measuring range, then the measuring range is extended, but measurement errors occur due to tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry through offset weights that can be positioned at different radial distances from the load-bearing pin. The first and second shift weight carriers can hold weights at different positions, creating controlled asymmetric loading conditions. This asymmetric arrangement allows for measurement of weights outside the normal measuring range while the offset compensation mechanism corrects for resulting measurement errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs offset weights that function as counterweights to compensate for the asymmetric loading caused by substitution weights. By positioning offset weights at appropriate radial distances and angles, the system can counterbalance the tilting moments generated by asymmetric weight placement, thereby eliminating measurement errors while maintaining extended measuring range capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a carrier unit for a weight switching device and an electronic weighing cell comprising a first shift weight carrier (34-1) which is vertically movable in relation to a base, for vertically mounting, with play, a first shift weight arrangement (22-1R, 22-1L) which has two spaced-apart, parallel carrier arms (30-1R, 30-1L) connected by means of a bridging piece (32-1). The invention is characterized in that a second shift weight carrier (34-2R, 34-2L) for vertically mounting, with play, a second shift weight arrangement (22-2R, 22-2L) which likewise has two spaced-apart, parallel carrier arms (30-2R, 30-2L) connected by means of a bridging piece (32-2), is likewise arranged in a vertically movable manner in relation to the base, wherein the carrier arm pair (30-1R, 30-1L) of the first shift weight carrier (34-1) is arranged between and parallel to the carrier arm pair (30-2R, 30-2L) of the second shift weight carrier (34-2) and wherein each shift weight carrier (34-1; 34-2) is articulated to a common crosspiece (12) by means of two parallel links (23-1R, 23-1L; 23-2R, 23-2L) which are arranged outside the two carrier arm pairs (30-1R, 30-1L; 30-2R, 30-2L), parallel to the latter and enclosing the latter between one another, and are connected to the shift weight carrier (34-1; 34-2) at their free ends.