Scale Platform Height Measurement Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simultaneous measurement of mass and height using scales is hindered by errors in height measurement due to the lowering of the scale platform, which affects stability and accuracy, especially when large platforms are required for volume bodies and non-centered weight forces cause tilting.
Innovation Solution
Implementing electronic post-correction methods using correction factors based on load cell deformation characteristics, actual platform lowering measurements, and inclination detection to refine height measurement accuracy, allowing for separate processing of load cell deformations and external corrections for temperature and gravity influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the scale platform is lowered to measure weight, then the weight measurement can be performed, but the height measurement suffers from an error equal to the distance by which the platform is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by measuring the actual lowering distance of the scale platform using the load cell deformation and using this information to correct the height measurement. The system continuously monitors the platform position change and adjusts the height measurement accordingly, eliminating the error introduced by platform lowering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical constraint of fixed platform position with an electronic correction system. Instead of relying on the platform remaining at a constant height, the system uses electronic sensors and computational correction to account for the platform's vertical movement, substituting mechanical stability with electronic compensation.
2Measurement precision
If the height-measuring device is mounted on the scale platform to measure height relative to the platform, then the height measurement error is compensated, but the load cell must absorb all forces and moments from the upper structure, compromising stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement functions by keeping the height-measuring device separate from the scale platform. The height measurement is performed by a independent sensor system that measures the distance between a fixed reference point and the platform, rather than mounting the sensor on the platform. This segmentation allows the load cell to focus solely on weight measurement without bearing additional forces from the height-measuring equipment.
3Area of stationary object
If the scale platform is made larger to support volume bodies, then the support capacity increases, but the platform is more prone to tilting when weight force is not centered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from multiple load cells arranged at different positions on the platform to detect tilting and platform displacement. By continuously monitoring the deformation of each load cell, the system can detect when the platform tilts and compensate for this in the weight measurement, allowing larger platforms to maintain measurement accuracy despite increased susceptibility to tilting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of platform position and tilt using the load cell deformations before finalizing the weight measurement. This preliminary detection allows the system to compensate for tilting effects in advance, ensuring accurate measurements even when the platform is large and prone to tilting under off-center loads.
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
Significantly reduces measurement errors in height determination, enabling more accurate and stable simultaneous weight and height measurements without compromising the design of the scale platform, allowing for sturdy construction and larger support surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic deformation distance of a spring, resulting from the weight force acting on it, is determined versus its more-or-less constant, i.e., linear, spring characteristic
Implementation Method 2
the height measurement is realized as an absolute distance measurement to the scale platform
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for simultaneously measuring the mass and the height of a body, wherein the measurement of the body mass is carried out by measuring the deformation of at least one deformable element, during which a scale platform is lowered, and the height measurement is realized as an absolute distance measurement relative to the scale platform, so that the distance measurement is subject to an error equal to the amount by which the scale platform is lowered. The error-prone distance measurement is converted by a correction factor into a height measurement value the absolute value of which corresponds to the averaged lowering of the scale platform.