Parallelogram Linkage Recess for Scale Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-precision scales face challenges in achieving stability and rigidity due to the limited rigidity of the base body protrusion between parallel guide elements, which is exacerbated by the need to minimize overall dimensions and avoid torsional rigidity reduction.

Innovation Solution

The parallelogram linkage structure incorporates a recess in the parallel guide elements to allow the base body to protrude laterally, providing increased stability and support while maintaining a compact design, with the base body section extending through the recess to enhance support joints and reduce leverage effects on the base body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the two parallel guide elements are spaced far apart to increase base body rigidity, then the rigidity and stability of the base body protrusion is improved, but the overall dimensions of the parallelogram linkage structure increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverigidity of base body protrusionVSAvoidoverall dimensions of parallelogram linkage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The base body protrusion extends not only vertically between the parallel guide elements but also laterally beyond them, utilizing a third spatial dimension to achieve rigidity without increasing the vertical spacing between guide elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The base body protrusion is designed to extend laterally beyond the parallel guide elements before the lever system is assembled, providing pre-established support points that enhance rigidity from the outset

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the base body protrusion is made larger to increase stability, then the support for the lever system is improved, but the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of base body protrusionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The base body protrusion features localized lateral extensions beyond the parallel guide elements at specific positions where support is needed, rather than uniformly increasing the size of the entire protrusion structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral extensions of the base body protrusion are positioned to fit within or alongside the existing parallelogram linkage structure, nesting the stabilization function within the overall compact design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the parallel guide elements are penetrated through to support the base body protrusion, then the attachment stability is improved, but the torsional rigidity of the parallelogram linkage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stability of base bodyVSAvoidtorsional rigidity of parallelogram linkage
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The parallel guide elements are penetrated only at specific locations to provide attachment points for the base body protrusion, rather than being completely opened through, thereby maintaining structural integrity and torsional rigidity in non-penetrated regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses standardized fastening elements (screws or pins) that can be easily installed and removed, providing stable attachment without requiring complex permanent joints that would compromise the guide element structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Strength

If the base body protrusion is laterally stabilized with fastening elements, then the rigidity is improved, but the width of the installation space is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverigidity of base body protrusionVSAvoidwidth of installation space
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral stabilization function is merged with the existing parallel guide element structure by using their outer surfaces as attachment points, eliminating the need for separate lateral support structures that would increase width

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base body protrusion utilizes its own lateral extensions beyond the parallel guide elements to provide self-stabilization, with the protrusion structure serving both as the support element and the stabilization mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3021094B1Parallelogram linkage structure for a weighing device
Publication Date: 2018.05.09 WIPOTEC GMBH
  • EP3021094B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Monolithic parallelogram linkage structure for a scale, comprising a base body and a load sensor guided in a Z-direction by means of parallel guide elements, wherein at least one parallel guide element is connected at a first end to the base body and at a second end to the load sensor via a joint, and wherein the base body is formed on both sides of a plane E, and wherein the parallel guide element has at least one recess on at least one outer side facing away from the plane E between the joints, through which a base body section projects.