Parallel Planar Weight Sensor Torsion Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cantilevered weight sensing devices in material handling facilities suffer from undesirable mechanical movements due to torsion and vibration, leading to noisy output signals and reduced accuracy, especially when handling larger loads, and are often expensive and limited to light loads.
Innovation Solution
A parallel planar weight sensing device with a crossmember and accessory mounting bracket, utilizing planar beam load cells arranged coplanarly to minimize twisting and oscillation, providing improved resistance to torsion and vibration, and scalable for loads ranging from grams to thousands of kilograms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional cantilevered weight sensing devices are used, then the device can support loads, but the device suffers from torsion and vibration causing noisy output signals and reduced accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the load support function into multiple parallel planar beam load cells instead of using a single cantilevered structure. Each load cell independently supports a portion of the load, eliminating the torsional moments that affect traditional cantilevered designs and reducing vibration-induced measurement errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-plane cantilevered structure to a multi-dimensional parallel planar arrangement. The load cells are positioned in parallel planes, distributing the load across multiple dimensions and eliminating the torsional stress concentration that occurs in single-plane cantilevered designs.
2Force
If traditional cantilevered weight sensing devices are used for larger loads, then the device can handle increased weight, but the mechanical movements due to torsion and vibration increase leading to more noisy output signals
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the total load into multiple portions, each supported by an individual planar beam load cell. This segmentation allows the system to handle larger total loads while each individual cell experiences reduced stress, minimizing torsion and vibration effects even at high load capacities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple planar beam load cells in parallel to achieve high load capacity. By merging the support functions of multiple cells, the system handles large loads collectively while each cell maintains accurate measurement by experiencing only a portion of the total load, thus reducing individual cell vibration and torsion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cantilevered weight sensing devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device is expensive and limited to light loads
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel planar beam load cell structure serves multiple functions: it provides accurate weight measurement, supports a wide range of load capacities from light to heavy, and reduces vibration and torsion effects. This universal design eliminates the need for different device types for different load requirements, improving adaptability while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized components.
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 solution significantly reduces noise in weight sensor output, enhances measurement accuracy, and is more cost-effective, allowing for extensive deployment across various load sizes, improving inventory management operations by providing reliable weight data for larger form factors.
Implementation Method 1
A first planar beam load cell has a live end and a fixed end. The live end of the first load cell is affixed to the bracket while the fixed end of the first load cell is affixed to the crossmember. A second planar beam load cell has a live end and a fixed end. The live end of the second load cell is affixed to the bracket while the fixed end of the second load cell is affixed to the crossmember.
Data Source
AI summary
A parallel planar weight sensing device includes an accessory mounting bracket with an upper portion and a lower portion. Part of the accessory mounting bracket extends around a crossmember that also has an upper portion and a lower portion. Affixed to the upper portion of the crossmember is a first load cell while a second load cell is affixed to the lower portion of the crossmember. The upper portion of the accessory mounting bracket is affixed to the first load cell while the lower portion is affixed to the second load cell. An accessory, such as a shelf or hook, may be attached to the accessory mounting bracket and used to stow items. As the load on the accessory changes, such as due to a pick or place of items, a total weight change may be determined by summing the output from the load cells.