Shelf Bracket with Integrated Load Cells for Inventory Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelf systems lack integrated weighing functionality that accurately determines the location and weight of items removed or added, particularly due to the limitations in integrating load cells effectively into the shelf console.
Innovation Solution
A shelf console with two load cells, each attached to a fastening device, supports a shelf with torque-free force introduction sections, utilizing strain gauges connected to a Wheatstone measuring bridge for precise weight measurement, and an evaluation unit determines new center of gravity coordinates from periodic load cell data to update inventory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If load cells are integrated into the shelf bracket, then weighing functionality is achieved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell is integrated directly into the shelf bracket structure, merging the weighing function with the support function. The measuring body becomes part of the bracket's load-bearing path, eliminating the need for separate weighing devices and reducing overall system complexity despite adding measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf bracket is designed to serve multiple functions: mechanical support and weight measurement. The same structural elements that provide support also serve as the load path for the load cell, making the bracket a multi-functional component that reduces the need for additional dedicated weighing hardware.
2Measurement precision
If strain gauges are used for weight measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but sensitivity to tolerances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Wheatstone bridge circuit provides electrical feedback that compensates for mechanical variations. The bridge configuration automatically balances out minor dimensional tolerances and installation variations, maintaining measurement precision without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the strain gauge mounting surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system uses electrical parameter adjustments (bridge balancing) to compensate for mechanical parameter variations (dimensional tolerances). By adjusting electrical parameters in the Wheatstone bridge, the system can accommodate manufacturing tolerances while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If the load cell is mounted laterally to the shelf rail, then ease of installation is improved, but force shunt occurs causing measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell is extracted from the lateral mounting configuration and repositioned to mount directly on the shelf rail in the load path. This removes the problematic intermediate mounting structure that caused force shunt, while the simplified direct mounting actually improves ease of installation by eliminating complex lateral bracket assemblies.
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 accurate tracking of item removal and addition, minimizing force shunt and measurement inaccuracies, providing a stable and precise inventory management system with reduced sensitivity to tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
The load cell comprises at least one strain gauge arranged on the upper or lower surface of the measuring body in the area of the articulated section for detecting any tensile or compressive deformation of the measuring body
Implementation Method 2
utilizing strain gauges connected to a Wheatstone measuring bridge for precise weight measurement
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a shelf bracket with at least one load cell. The shelf bracket is suitable for mounting in a vertically arranged shelf rail. The shelf bracket comprises an anchoring device and a support arm for carrying a shelf shelf. When the shelf bracket is mounted in a shelf rail, the support arm extends from the shelf rail in a substantially horizontal direction. The support arm comprises at least one mounting device for the at least one load cell. The at least one load cell has a monolithic measuring element comprising a force-absorbing section, a force-induction section, and a hinge section arranged between the force-absorbing section and the force-induction section. The force-absorbing section of the measuring element is attached laterally to the mounting device.The measuring body has at least one mounting hole, by means of which it is attached to the mounting device with a screw running horizontally through the measuring body.