Scale Calibration Verification Using Magnetic Precalibrated Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant handling systems face challenges in efficiently verifying the calibration of internal scales without introducing potential errors and requiring time-consuming disassembly for testing.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a magnet to attach a precalibrated weight to the scale, allowing for calibration verification through a controller and software, enabling calibration checks without disassembling the system, and displaying results on a display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a user uses a calibrated weight with auxiliary hardware (hooks or baskets) to test the scale, then the scale calibration can be verified, but potential errors are introduced and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration weight from the auxiliary hardware (hooks or baskets) and places it directly on the scale pan. This eliminates the potential errors introduced by auxiliary hardware while maintaining the ability to verify scale calibration. The weight is positioned directly on the scale surface, ensuring direct measurement without intermediate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary component that couples the calibration weight to the scale pan. The magnet ensures secure attachment of the weight to the scale surface, facilitating easy placement and removal while maintaining measurement accuracy. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the calibration process without introducing additional errors.
2Measurement precision
If the refrigerant tank is removed from the scale to test calibration, then the scale can be tested accurately, but valuable time is consumed that could be used to service the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by providing a removable magnet that can be easily attached to or removed from the scale pan. This allows the calibration weight to be quickly placed on the scale without requiring disassembly of the refrigerant tank or other components. The magnet serves as a pre-prepared attachment mechanism that enables rapid calibration testing in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service calibration testing by allowing the user to perform the calibration verification without requiring technical assistance or disassembly of the refrigerant handling system. The removable magnet and calibration weight combination allows the user to quickly test the scale calibration independently, saving time that would otherwise be spent on system disassembly and professional service calls.
3Reliability
If the scale is calibrated using traditional methods with auxiliary hardware, then calibration verification is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the calibration process by extracting the magnet from the auxiliary hardware and making it a separate, easily attachable component. This removes the complexity of hooks, baskets, and other auxiliary hardware while maintaining the calibration verification capability. The magnet can be directly attached to the scale pan, significantly reducing the number of components involved in the calibration process.
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 quick and accurate verification of scale calibration within the refrigerant handling system, reducing errors and saving time, while meeting industry standards such as SAE J-2788.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet coupled to the scale's second side and configured to couple to a precalibrated weight
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are provided in order to verify the calibration on the fluid handling system. A magnet coupled to the scale is used to attach a precalibrated weight so that a controller in the system can determine if the scale needs to be calibrated. This way a storage tank does not need to be removed in order to check the calibration of the scale. The system can be locked down if the calibration is not within the predetermined calibration tolerance.