Rotating Load Cell Scale for Hygienic Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing store scales used in fresh food sales are complex in design and difficult to clean, requiring structural interventions in counters and not allowing for optimal cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A scale design featuring a load cell that can be rotated between weighing and cleaning positions, with a removable load plate for separate cleaning and a compact shell housing that integrates into a counter surface, utilizing a link guide for pivoting and a centering device for load plate alignment, allowing for precise weighing and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the scale is integrated into the counter with a fixed load cell, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between a weighing position (stable for measurement) and a cleaning position (accessible for sanitation). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling both structural stability during operation and ease of cleaning during maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale is divided into separable components: the load cell can be independently moved and cleaned separate from the main counter structure. The load plate is also separable, allowing each component to be cleaned appropriately while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Measurement precision
If the load cell is fixed in position, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell pivots between a fixed weighing position that ensures measurement precision and a movable cleaning position that provides accessibility. The non-positive connection in the weighing position guarantees stable, precise measurements, while the same mechanism enables easy movement for cleaning.
3Device complexity
If the scale has a compact integrated design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compact integrated housing contains the load cell, but the load cell itself is designed to pivot within this housing. This maintains the aesthetic and space-saving benefits of integration while providing cleaning access through the pivoting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The load plate is made separable from the main structure, allowing it to be removed and cleaned separately (even in a dishwasher), while the load cell can be pivoted out for cleaning. This segmentation enables thorough cleaning without requiring disassembly of the entire integrated unit.
4Measurement precision
If the load cell is non-positively connected to the pan, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection type changes dynamically based on position: non-positive (loose) connection during weighing for precision, and positive (locked) connection during cleaning for stability. The link guide with slot and protrusion geometry automatically provides this conditional connection behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
The scale (1) comprises a load cell (2) for detecting the weight of items to be weighed, and a removable load plate (4) made of plastic, metal, wood or marble for placing items to be weighed. The load cell is arranged in a shell (3). The load cell comprises a weighing position and a cleaning position. The load cell is rotatable around a pivot axis in the cleaning position. The shell encloses a space (32), which is limited by a flat bottom portion (3a) and three side walls (31a,31b,31c). An independent claim is also included for a load plate for a scale.