Retractable Load Cell Connector for Accurate Low-Flow Weighing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic fluid flow systems face challenges in maintaining high accuracy of fluid flow monitoring, particularly in low-flow situations, due to the need for secure and repeatable interface mechanisms that accurately transfer downward forces between fluid collection systems and the measurement systems.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a load cell with a transitionable electrical contact and a ring connector with a magnetic locking system, along with a retractable plate locking mechanism, to ensure secure engagement and disengagement, providing a fluid-tight seal and accurate force transfer, allowing for precise measurement of fluid flow by detecting changes in weight over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a secure fit interface mechanism is used to ensure accurate force transfer, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a connector portion for mechanical attachment, a locking mechanism for securing, and electrical contacts for data/power transfer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall measurement precision without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A load cell serves as an intermediary element between the fluid collection system and the measurement system, providing a standardized interface that accurately transfers downward forces while isolating the complex sensing electronics from the mechanical connection interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If repeated engagements and disengagements are allowed, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to wear on electrical contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism replaces traditional mechanical friction-based connections with a positive locking system that secures the connector without requiring continuous pressure on electrical contacts, reducing wear during repeated engagements and disengagements.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface mechanism incorporates movable components that transition between engaged and disengaged states, allowing repeated connections while maintaining reliable electrical contact through spring-loaded or resilient contact elements that compensate for wear.
3Measurement precision
If a fluid-tight seal is maintained during connections, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sealing element, such as an O-ring or gasket, is incorporated into the connector design to create a fluid-tight seal between mating surfaces. This flexible membrane maintains the seal automatically through elastic deformation, preventing fluid leakage without requiring complex sealing mechanisms or difficult assembly procedures.
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 solution enables high-accuracy fluid flow monitoring by ensuring secure and repeatable connections, minimizing wear on electrical contacts, and maintaining a fluid-tight seal, thus prolonging system usability and preventing data loss during transfers.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic locking system configured to releasably couple the ring connector to the load cell
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic fluid flow measuring system for detecting a fluid weight change of a fluid collection system includes a load cell configured to detect a downward force and a ring connector configured to releasably couple to the load cell. The load cell can include a plate movable along a transverse axis orthogonal to a face of the plate. The plate can include a first electrical contact. The ring connector is configured to transition between an unlocked position and a locked position on the load cell. The ring connector can include a second electrical contact configured to communicate with the first electrical contact in the locked position.