Self-Calibrating Laundry Weighing Apparatus with Pneumatic Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Load cells in laundry weighing bins tend to lose calibration over time due to material fatigue, leading to inaccurate weight measurements, which results in inefficient laundry processing and requires complex, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous calibration procedures.
Innovation Solution
A weighing apparatus with a container, a supporting frame, a load cell, and a motor apparatus that includes a pneumatic actuator to exert a force on the load cell, allowing for continuous calibration and accurate mass measurement, reducing the need for frequent manual calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a load cell is used to measure the mass of the bin, then the mass measurement capability is provided, but the load cell loses calibration over time due to material fatigue leading to inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by using the motor apparatus to apply a known reference force to the load cell, automatically determining and applying correction factors without requiring external calibration equipment or manual intervention. This self-service calibration process maintains measurement accuracy while eliminating the reliability issues associated with manual calibration intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the computer controller continuously monitors the load cell readings, compares them against expected values based on the dry bin mass, and automatically adjusts calibration parameters. This closed-loop feedback ensures measurement precision is maintained over time without manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If conventional calibration procedures are implemented, then measurement accuracy can be restored, but the calibration process is complex, time consuming, and potentially dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The automated calibration system eliminates the need for manual calibration procedures by having the motor apparatus automatically apply reference forces and the computer controller automatically process the data. This reduces calibration time from potentially hours of manual work to automated processes that can be completed quickly and safely without exposing operatives to the bin environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical calibration procedures with an automated motor-driven system that applies precise forces electronically controlled. This substitution eliminates the need for operatives to physically access and manually calibrate the load cell, significantly reducing time loss and safety risks.
3Productivity
If load cells are not calibrated frequently, then operational time is maintained, but measurement errors increase leading to under or over filling of the bin
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous or frequent automated calibration cycles that maintain measurement precision without interrupting normal bin operations. The motor apparatus and computer controller perform calibration routines automatically, ensuring the load cell remains accurate while the bin continues to function, thus maintaining both productivity and measurement precision simultaneously.
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 apparatus ensures continuous and accurate measurement of laundry mass, improving the efficiency of the laundry processing by minimizing errors and reducing the risk of over or underloading, while simplifying the calibration process and maintaining hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell operable to measure a force exerted on said supporting frame by said container
Implementation Method 2
a motor apparatus operable to exert a force on said load cell
Data Source
AI summary
A weighing apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a container suitable for containing at least one object to be weighed; a supporting frame mechanically coupled to said container for relative movement therebetween and configured to freely support said container; a load cell operable to measure a force exerted on said supporting frame by said container; and a motor apparatus operable to exert a force on said load cell.