Scale Decoupling Mechanism for Lateral Force Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-resolution scales face issues with lateral forces during loading, leading to offsetting in the weighing result and prolonged stabilization time, which affects the accuracy and speed of obtaining a steady weight reading.
Innovation Solution
A decoupling mechanism mechanically connected to the drive system that separates the weighing system from the load transfer part when the draft shield is open and couples it when closed, utilizing a lifting mechanism to convert rotary movement into axial lifting and lowering movements, thereby preventing transverse forces and ensuring precise alignment and coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the load transfer part is always coupled to the weighing system, then the structure is simple, but lateral forces during loading cause offsetting and prolonged stabilization time
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the load transfer part and weighing system is made dynamic rather than static. The coupling part can selectively couple or decouple from the weighing system based on the operational state (loading vs. weighing), allowing the system to adapt its configuration and eliminate lateral force interference during loading while maintaining simple structure during weighing.
Solution Approach 2:
The load transfer path is segmented into distinct components: the load transfer part, the coupling part, and the weighing system. This segmentation allows independent control of each component, enabling the coupling part to selectively connect or disconnect the load transfer part from the weighing system, thereby preventing lateral forces from affecting weighing accuracy.
2Reliability
If a lifting mechanism is introduced to decouple the load transfer part, then lateral forces are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling part serves multiple functions: it acts as both a coupling mechanism to connect the load transfer part to the weighing system and a lifting mechanism to raise and lower the load transfer part. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving the goal of preventing lateral forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism and lifting mechanism are merged into a single integrated coupling part. This coupling part combines the coupling function (connecting/disconnecting) and lifting function (raising/lowering) into one component, reducing the overall number of parts and simplifying the structure compared to having separate mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the draft shield is opened for loading, then access to weighing chamber is enabled, but transverse forces affect the weighing result
Solution Approach 1:
Before the draft shield is closed for weighing, the coupling part is raised to decouple the load transfer part from the weighing system. This preliminary action ensures that any transverse forces applied during the closing operation or subsequent weighing do not affect the weighing result, as the load transfer part is already isolated from the weighing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling part acts as an intermediary between the load transfer part and the weighing system. When the draft shield is open or being closed, the coupling part can be in a decoupled state, allowing transverse forces to be applied without affecting the weighing system. When weighing is required, the coupling part connects the load transfer part to the weighing system, ensuring accurate measurements.
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 quick and accurate high-resolution weighing by minimizing the impact of transverse forces, allowing the scale to reach a stable state rapidly and maintain precise positioning, thus enhancing the reliability and accuracy of the weighing process.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting mechanism mechanically converts the rotary movement of the draft shield into a lifting and lowering movement, as a result of which high reliability and low structural complexity can be achieved. The lifting mechanism can have at least one ramp surface
Implementation Method 2
In order to increase the smooth running of the decoupling mechanism, according to one embodiment of the invention, a rolling element is provided which runs along the ramp surface and avoids friction on the ramp surface
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a scale with a weighing system (14), a weighing chamber (16) that is delimited by a windshield (18), and a drive for opening and closing the windshield (18). The scale has a load transferring part with which the weight of the load is transferred onto the weighing system (14). A decoupling mechanism is mechanically connected to the drive for rotating the windshield (18) such that the weighing system (14) is mechanically decoupled from the load transferring part in the load direction if the windshield (18) is open in order to not introduce transverse forces into the weighing system (14) during loading.