Pivoting Spacer Scale Structure for Modular Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for producing different types of scales require multiple frames with carrying elements, leading to significant manufacturing and storage costs due to non-uniform construction and adaptation for each scale type.

Innovation Solution

The carrying elements are constructed identically with integrated weighing cells and leveling devices, allowing for modular design, simplified storage, and adaptable connection to a lightweight frame through spacer arms and pivot joints, enabling precise vertical adjustment and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple frames with carrying elements are produced for different scale types, then adaptability to different scale geometries is improved, but manufacturing costs and storage requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different scale geometriesVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The carrying elements are designed with universal functionality to be used across different scale types and geometries. Each carrying element can be adapted to various frame configurations through adjustable spacer arms and positioning mechanisms, eliminating the need to manufacture separate carrying elements for each scale type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The scale structure is divided into modular components: standardized carrying elements, adjustable spacer arms, and configurable frame sections. This segmentation allows individual carrying elements to be reused across different scale configurations by simply repositioning them with different spacer arm lengths or attachment points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If carrying elements are individually adapted to each scale type, then geometric adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeometric adaptabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single standardized carrying element design serves multiple geometric configurations through adjustable components. The spacer arms with variable lengths and adjustable positioning mechanisms allow the same carrying element to accommodate different frame geometries without requiring multiple specialized designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrying element assembly incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable features such as movable spacer arms and repositionable mounting points. These dynamic elements allow the structure to be reconfigured for different geometries without permanent modifications, reducing the complexity of designing multiple static variants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-uniform construction is used for different scale types, then specific geometric requirements are met, but storage requirements and manufacturing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeometric customizationVSAvoidstorage requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized carrying elements serve as universal components that can be deployed across all scale types. By maintaining a inventory of only the standardized carrying elements and interchangeable spacer arms, storage requirements are dramatically reduced compared to maintaining separate carrying elements for each scale variant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design allows carrying elements to be easily disassembled, repositioned, and reused for different scale configurations. Instead of discarding or storing specialized carrying elements for each scale type, they can be recovered and reconfigured for new applications through simple adjustment of spacer arms and mounting positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 approach reduces manufacturing costs, enhances adaptability to various scale geometries, and minimizes force introduction into the frame, resulting in a cost-effective and stable weighing device.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element is arranged in the area of a pivot joint connecting the spacer element to the base element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9207112B2Scale with pivoting spacer element for vertical adjustment

Publication Date: 2015.12.08 SECA AG

AI summary

The apparatus serves for weighing and has a placement surface (3) for the object to be weighed. The placement surface (3) is provided by a placement element (2) which is supportable by at least two carrying elements (6) with respect to a steepening surface. The carrying elements (6) are configured identically relative to one another. Each of the carrying elements (6) has at least one load cell (17) for weight acquisition and a levelling device for height adjustment.