Removable Climate Module for Precision Scale Buoyancy Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-resolution electronic scales face accuracy issues due to air buoyancy, which requires determination of air density for correction, and are affected by environmental parameters like temperature, humidity, and air pressure, necessitating external sensors and calibration processes that are cumbersome and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A compact precision scale with a detachable climate module containing air pressure, humidity, and temperature sensors, integrated with a processor and data transmission path, allowing for internal climate compensation without external sensors, enabling accurate air density measurement and automatic data transmission for precise buoyancy correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If external sensors and computers are used for climate measurement and calibration, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but device complexity and operational effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the climate module with the precision scale into an integrated system. The climate module containing temperature, humidity, and air pressure sensors is permanently attached to the scale, eliminating the need for separate external sensors and computers. This integration maintains measurement accuracy while reducing device complexity and operational effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The precision scale automatically performs climate compensation using its integrated climate module and processor. The system self-calibrates by automatically measuring environmental parameters and applying correction factors to buoyancy measurements, eliminating the need for manual calibration operations and external computing devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If external sensors and calibration processes are used, then climate compensation can be achieved, but time consumption and operational effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclimate compensation accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated climate module continuously monitors temperature, humidity, and air pressure parameters automatically during weighing operations. This continuous measurement eliminates the need for separate calibration steps and manual data entry, reducing time consumption while maintaining accurate climate compensation throughout the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The processor automatically receives real-time climate data from the integrated sensors and applies buoyancy correction factors to measurements. This closed-loop feedback system continuously adjusts for environmental changes without requiring manual intervention or additional calibration time, improving both accuracy and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If climate modules are permanently integrated, then automation and accuracy improve, but adaptability and ease of calibration decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidcalibration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The climate module is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be removed from and reattached to the precision scale. This segmentation allows the climate module to be calibrated independently at service centers and enables easy replacement or upgrading of sensor technology while maintaining the automated integration benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic reconfiguration where the climate module can be detached for calibration or replacement and reattached to resume automated operation. This dynamic design provides calibration flexibility and adaptability while preserving the automation advantages of permanent integration during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides improved measurement accuracy with reduced effort, eliminating external sensor errors and allowing for continuous operation and calibration of climate modules, while enabling retrofitting of older scales and independent climate data recording.

Implementation Method 1

a climate module with an air pressure sensor, an air humidity sensor and an air temperature sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir pressure measurement:

Implementation Method 2

a climate module with an air pressure sensor, an air humidity sensor and an air temperature sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir humidity measurement:

Implementation Method 3

a climate module with an air pressure sensor, an air humidity sensor and an air temperature sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir temperature measurement:

Implementation Method 4

determining the air density is necessary to calculate a buoyancy correction factor for measurements of the highest accuracy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy correction: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP3066429B2Precision scale having a removable air-conditioning module
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 SARTORIUS LAB INSTR GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3066429B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3066429B2 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a precision scale having a weighing chamber (16), a wind shield, which surrounds the weighing chamber (16), an air-conditioning module (34), which is arranged removably in the weighing chamber (16), a processor (32), which is arranged in the precision scale, a data input unit, which is arranged on the precision scale, and a data transmission link, by means of which data can be exchanged between the air-conditioning module (34) and the processor (32). The invention further relates to an air-conditioning module for detachable electrical coupling to a precision scale, wherein the air-conditioning module (34) forms a closed structural unit and has an air pressure sensor (62), a humidity sensor (54), and an air temperature sensor (52), and also relates to a part of a data transmission link, via which data can be sent to a processor outside the air-conditioning module.