Pivoting Floor Scale Structure for Hygienic Footprint Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor scales in processing environments face challenges in achieving hygienic cleaning due to their weight, geometry, and proximity to the ground, making it difficult and unsafe to access the surfaces and surroundings for cleaning, especially when the footprint below the scale requires attention.
Innovation Solution
A floor scale design that allows for pivoting the load platform between an operative and non-operative position, minimizing concave horizontal surfaces to prevent liquid accumulation and enabling safe access for cleaning, with features like hydraulic cylinders and locking mechanisms for stable movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the load platform is made heavy and mounted to the floor for stability, then the scale can support heavy loads and remain stable, but the footprint below the scale becomes inaccessible for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The load platform is designed to pivot between a horizontal operative position for weighing and a raised non-operative position for cleaning access. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the platform to transition from a fixed heavy structure to a movable one, enabling cleaners to access the footprint area that would otherwise be blocked by the stable, floor-mounted platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The load platform is divided into separable components including the platform itself, the frame, and the foot assemblies with pivot mechanisms. This segmentation allows the platform to be raised and reconfigured independently from the base structure, enabling cleaning access to the footprint while maintaining the structural integrity and load support capacity of the mounted system.
2Ease of operation
If the load platform is raised to allow cleaning of the footprint, then cleaning access is improved, but the weighing function cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The load platform operates in periodic cycles, alternating between the horizontal operative position for weighing and the raised non-operative position for cleaning. This periodic reconfiguration ensures that the platform is in the correct position at the correct time - horizontal during weighing operations and raised during cleaning operations - thus maintaining both productivity and ease of operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the frame structure includes horizontal surfaces for stability, then the scale remains stable during operation, but liquids can pool and create bacterial growth medium
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure replaces horizontal surfaces with sloped and curved surfaces that direct liquids away from pooling areas. The cylindrical bars and angled frame members create surfaces where liquids naturally drain toward designated drainage points rather than accumulating, thereby eliminating bacterial growth medium while maintaining structural stability through the geometric configuration.
4Ease of operation
If the load platform is made lightweight to facilitate cleaning access, then accessibility is improved, but the maximum capacity of the scale is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The load platform utilizes a pivot mechanism that allows it to be raised and lowered dynamically. When in the raised position for cleaning, the platform's effective weight is reduced as it is supported by the pivot mechanism rather than resting on the foot assemblies. This dynamic support system enables cleaning access without permanently reducing the platform's load-bearing capacity when in the horizontal weighing position.
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
Enables effective and safe cleaning of both the scale and its footprint without compromising weighing accuracy, reducing tripping hazards, and preventing liquid pooling.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of foot assemblies, each of which is connected to the frame for pivoting the load platform about an axis between an operative position
Implementation Method 2
features like hydraulic cylinders and locking mechanisms for stable movement
Data Source
AI summary
A floor scale (10) intended for use in an environment requiring hygienic cleaning has a load platform (12) that is supported by a frame (18). A pair of foot assemblies 26, positioned along the sides of the frame, anchor the frame to the floor and provide a base from which the frame and load platform may be pivoted about an axis (A) between an operative position in which an upper surface (14) of the load platform is substantially parallel to the floor and a non-operative position in which the upper surface is angled obliquely relative to the floor. In the non-operative position, a footprint (F) of the floor scale is accessible for cleaning, Structural members of the frame and foot assemblies are substantially devoid of horizontal concave surfaces in which liquids could pool. Locking means is provided for the operative position and at least one non-operative position.