Retail Scale Load Cell Pivoting Mechanism for Hygienic Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retail scales used in fresh food sales are structurally complex and difficult to clean, particularly when integrated into countertops, which hampers hygiene and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A retail scale design featuring a link guide that moves the load cell from a weighing position to a cleaning position, with a slide track system and a detachable load plate for easy cleaning, and a shell housing for counter mounting with mechanical connection options, ensuring ergonomic operation and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the scale is integrated into the countertop with sealed passages, then the scale is structurally stable, but the cleaning capability deteriorates and structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between a weighing position (for stable operation) and a cleaning position (for easy access and cleaning). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling both structural stability during weighing and ease of cleaning when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale is divided into separable components: the load cell can be moved independently from the load plate, and the link guide separates the weighing mechanism from the cleaning path. This segmentation allows the cleaning function to be performed without disassembling the entire structural integration.
2Reliability
If the load cell is fixed in the weighing position, then the weighing function is stable, but the cleaning accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell pivots about a pivot axis to move between weighing and cleaning positions. During weighing, it remains stable in the weighing position; during cleaning, it can be pivoted to expose the area below for thorough cleaning, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and accessibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the load cell area is enclosed in a shell, then the protection against contamination is improved, but the cleaning accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shell encloses the load cell for protection during weighing operations, but the load cell can pivot out of the shell or the shell can be opened to allow cleaning access. This dynamic design maintains protection during operation while enabling thorough cleaning when needed.
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 design allows for a structurally simple, easy-to-clean retail scale that prevents contamination and facilitates thorough cleaning, particularly suitable for fresh food sales environments like meat, sausage, or cheese counters.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell (2) which is accommodated completely within the shell (3) in the weighing position shown, for detecting the weight of goods to be weighed
Implementation Method 2
The link guide (5) has two link tracks (51 and 52)
Implementation Method 3
A position in which the load cell is pivoted about a pivot axis is referred to as a cleaning position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3a
Figure 4~4a
AI summary
The scale (1) has weighing cell for detecting weight of items-to-be weighed, is arranged within a casing (3). The weighing cell is provided with removable load plate (4) for placing items-to-be weighed. The weighing cell is spendable over a slotted guide (5), to move from cradle position into cleaning position. The slotted guide is provided with first and second guide tracks. The second guide tack branches off from first guide tack. The guide elements are fed in first guide tack when weighing cell is in cleaning position.