Parallel-Guiding Mechanism with Integrated Conductive Traces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic force-compensation direct-measuring systems face challenges in accurately measuring small weighing loads due to additional spring constants introduced by electrical connections and thermal expansion issues in the parallel-guiding mechanism, affecting measurement precision and zero-point drift.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a parallel-guiding mechanism that transmits electrical signals and power to the coil without mechanical connections, using conductive traces and layers to minimize additional spring constants and equalize thermal expansion, thereby improving measurement accuracy and reducing zero-point drift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thin wire filaments are used to connect the coil to the control circuit, then the added spring constant is minimized, but the connection becomes difficult to manufacture and wires may break loose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire filament connection system with a conductive trace system integrated into the parallel-guiding mechanism. The conductive traces are formed as integral parts of the guiding structure through printing or coating processes, eliminating the need for separate wire filaments that require soldering and manual connection. This substitution maintains minimal mechanical interference while significantly improving manufacturing ease and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical guiding function by integrating conductive traces directly into the parallel-guiding mechanism structure. The guiding components serve dual purposes: providing mechanical guidance with minimal spring constant and conducting electrical signals to the coil. This consolidation eliminates separate connection elements and reduces overall system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the parallel-guiding mechanism components have different thermal expansion coefficients, then the structure can be manufactured with standard materials, but zero-point drift occurs due to differential thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately selects materials for the parallel-guiding mechanism components with matched thermal expansion coefficients. By ensuring that the conductive traces and the structural components expand and contract at the same rate during temperature changes, the invention prevents differential thermal expansion that would cause zero-point drift. This material selection strategy maintains manufacturing feasibility while achieving thermal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the thermal expansion parameter by selecting and matching material properties. The design specifies that components of the parallel-guiding mechanism should have compatible thermal expansion characteristics, transforming the thermal expansion from a source of error into a controlled parameter that maintains measurement accuracy across temperature variations.
3Reliability
If additional mechanical connections are introduced for electrical connections, then the electrical connection is more robust, but the additional spring constant interacts with the parallel-guiding mechanism and introduces errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection function with the mechanical guiding components by integrating conductive traces into the parallel-guiding structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical connection elements for electrical purposes, thereby avoiding additional spring constants while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity through the integrated trace system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the separate mechanical wire connection system with an integrated conductive trace system that is structurally part of the parallel-guiding mechanism. This substitution eliminates the interaction between separate mechanical connection elements and the guiding mechanism, removing the source of measurement errors while providing stable electrical connections through the unified structure.
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
This design enhances measurement accuracy, stability, and reproducibility by eliminating additional mechanical connections and minimizing thermal expansion effects, particularly beneficial for small weighing loads and high-resolution applications.
Implementation Method 1
the force that is caused by a load resting on the weighing pan or on the load receiver is counterbalanced by a force-compensation device consisting of at least one permanent magnet and a coil
Implementation Method 2
The movable parallel leg and the stationary parallel leg are connected to each other by two parallel guides with thin, flexibly bending pivot areas, so-called flexure pivots
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic force-compensation direct-measuring system is disclosed. Referred to as direct-measuring system, it comprises a parallel-guiding mechanism; and a load receiver connected with the parallel-guiding mechanism and connected to a force-compensation device by a force-transmitting rod. The force-compensation device can include at least one permanent magnet and a coil that is electrically connected to a control circuit. At least one component of the parallel-guiding mechanism is configured to transmit electric signals.