Photoelectric Position-Limiting Block for Simpler Weighing Sensor Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weighing sensors in electronic balances have a complex assembly process and high cost due to the use of separate photoelectric position sensors and stop structures, which are not integrated.

Innovation Solution

A weighing sensor that integrates a photoelectric position sensor with a stop structure into a single, integral photoelectric position limiting block, allowing for a simpler assembly process and reduced costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate photoelectric position sensors and stop structures are used, then the weighing sensor can detect lever position and prevent deviation, but the assembly process becomes complicated and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelever position detection and deviation preventionVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the photoelectric position sensor and the stop structure into a single integrated component. The photoelectric sensor is mounted on the stop structure, which itself is attached to the lever assembly. This integration reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining both the position detection capability and the deviation prevention function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stop structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical stop to prevent excessive lever deviation, provides a mounting platform for the photoelectric position sensor, and contributes to the overall structural support of the weighing sensor assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate photoelectric position sensors and stop structures are used, then the weighing sensor can detect lever position and prevent deviation, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelever position detection and deviation preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the photoelectric position sensor and stop structure into a combined assembly, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled. This integration leads to cost savings through reduced component count, simplified supply chain management, and lower assembly labor costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate components are used in the weighing sensor, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of parts increases and assembly becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent function optimizationVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the photoelectric position sensor and stop structure into an integrated assembly that maintains the functional optimization of each component while reducing the overall part count. The sensor retains its precision detection capability and the stop structure maintains its mechanical function, but they are combined into a single manufacturable unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated structure simplifies assembly and reduces costs while effectively preventing lever deviations, ensuring accurate and reliable weighing.

Implementation Method 1

a photoelectric position sensor is used to detect changes in luminous flux

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3721184B1Weighing sensor and electronic balance
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 METTLER TOLEDO INSTR SHANGHAI
  • EP3721184B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3721184B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3721184B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A weighing sensor (10) used in an electronic balance comprises a weighing unit (11), which comprising a load-receiving portion (111), a fixing portion (112) and parallel guiding members (113) for connecting the load-receiving portion (111) and the fixing portion (112) together; a lever (12), wherein one end of the lever (12) is connected to the load-receiving portion (112), and the lever (12) is disposed between the parallel guiding members (113) and the fixing portion (112); and a photoelectric position limiting block (14), wherein a lower portion of the photoelectric position limiting block (14) is connected to the fixing portion (112), an upper portion of the photoelectric position limiting block (14) is provided with a limiting structure (141), and a tail end portion of the other end of the lever (12) is disposed in the limiting structure (141) to limit a deviation of the tail end portion of the other end of the lever (12). A photoelectric position sensor and a stop structure for preventing the tail portion of the lever (12) from being deviated to a relatively deviation are both provided on the photoelectric position limiting block (14) to form an integral structure, and such a weighing sensor has the advantages of a simple structure, convenient to assemble, low cost, etc. An electronic balance comprising the weighing sensor (10) is also provided.