Scale Tray Ball-and-Socket Mounting for Damage-Free Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scales, particularly those with removable trays, suffer from damage to pin-and-hole arrangements due to improper installation, necessitating frequent field replacements.
Innovation Solution
A ball and socket design with a captured O-ring in the tray mounting post allows for easier tray installation and removal at any angle, reducing component damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin and hole arrangement with spring-loaded retainer is used to hold the tray, then the tray can be securely positioned on the scale body, but the pins are often damaged or broken requiring frequent field replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linear pin interface with a spherical ball end that fits into a recess. This curved geometry allows the tray to be installed at various angles without damaging the mounting members, as the ball can be inserted at an angle and then seated into the recess, eliminating the perpendicular alignment requirement that causes pin damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded retainer mechanism provides dynamic positioning where the retainer can flex to accommodate slight misalignments during installation and then secure the tray in place. This dynamic element absorbs installation errors that would otherwise damage rigid pins.
2Measurement precision
If a pin and hole arrangement with close tolerance linear interface is used, then accurate weight measurement is ensured, but the tray must be removed and installed in a perpendicular direction with great care
Solution Approach 1:
The ball end of the stud with its spherical geometry allows the tray to be installed at any angle by simply guiding the ball into the recess. Once seated, the ball provides a precise定位 point that ensures accurate weight measurement without requiring perpendicular alignment during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead-in portion on the mounting post is designed to guide the ball end into the recess automatically during installation. This preliminary guiding action ensures proper positioning is achieved naturally as the tray is installed, eliminating the need for careful perpendicular alignment by the user.
3Reliability
If pins with linear interface and close tolerance are used, then the tray is held securely in place, but frequent field replacement is required due to pin damage
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical ball end design is inherently more durable than linear pins because it can accommodate installation and removal at various angles without risking damage. The rounded geometry eliminates stress concentration points that occur with perpendicular insertion and removal of linear pins, significantly extending the service life of the mounting members.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded retainer provides a cushioning mechanism that absorbs misalignment forces during installation. This preliminary cushioning prevents damage to the mounting members by accommodating user errors before the tray is fully secured, reducing the need for field replacements.
Data Source
AI summary
A scale platform mounting assembly, a scale and a method of assembly. The scale may generally include a housing assembly supportable on a surface; a weight sensor supported in the housing assembly; a platform operable to support an object to be weighed, a force on the platform being applied to the weight sensor; and a mounting assembly to removably connect the platform relative to the housing assembly. The mounting assembly may include a stud supported by one of the housing assembly and the platform, the stud having a ball end, and a mount supported by the other of the housing assembly and the platform, the mount defining a recess having an open end, the ball end of the stud being receivable in the recess through the open end to removably connect the platform.