Shelf Bracket Load Cell Assembly for Torque-Free Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelving systems with integrated weighing units do not effectively consider the practical implementation of load cells, leading to inaccuracies in weight measurement and location determination of items removed or added.
Innovation Solution
A shelf bracket assembly with a load cell featuring a monolithic measuring body, including a force-supporting section, force-introduction section, and linkage section, is designed to be securely attached to a shelf upright via a cantilever, allowing for torque-free support of shelf panels and precise weight measurement through multi-point measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional load cell is integrated into a shelf bracket assembly, then weight measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to force shunting and inaccurate force transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell's measuring body is divided into distinct functional sections: a force-introduction section with a first cross-section, a linkage section with a second cross-section, and a force-supporting section with a third cross-section. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring accurate force transmission from the shelf panel through the linkage to the support structure without force shunting.
Solution Approach 2:
Each section of the measuring body has locally optimized properties: the force-introduction section has a first cross-sectional area optimized for receiving vertical loads from the shelf panel, the linkage section has a second cross-sectional area optimized for transmitting forces to the support structure, and the force-supporting section has a third cross-sectional area optimized for supporting the mounting structure. This local optimization ensures that forces are transmitted accurately through each section without lateral force shunting.
2Ease of manufacture
If the load cell is laterally attached to the mount, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised without proper force transmission design
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage section acts as an intermediary element between the force-introduction section and the force-supporting section. It transmits forces vertically from the shelf panel through the linkage to the support structure, preventing lateral force shunting while maintaining a simple lateral attachment configuration. The linkage section's geometry and material properties ensure accurate force transmission without requiring complex attachment mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If the measuring body has a compact design with smaller cross-sectional areas, then the shelf bracket assembly becomes more space-efficient, but the load-bearing capacity and measurement reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring body utilizes parameter changes along its length, with each section having a specifically optimized cross-sectional area. The force-introduction section has a first cross-sectional area optimized for vertical load reception, the linkage section has a second cross-sectional area optimized for force transmission, and the force-supporting section has a third cross-sectional area optimized for mounting support. This parameter optimization allows a compact overall size while maintaining adequate load-bearing capacity through locally optimized sections.
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 solution provides accurate and stable weight measurements, preventing force shunting and ensuring precise determination of item locations, thereby enhancing inventory management and reducing measurement inaccuracies.
Implementation Method 1
The load cell (102, 104) has a monolithic measuring body (10) including a force-supporting section (20), a force-introduction section (24), and a linkage section (22)
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf bracket assembly mounted upright on a vertically disposed shelf has: a load cell; an anchor; and a cantilever supporting a shelf panel. The cantilever projects from the shelf upright in a substantially horizontal direction. The cantilever has a vertically disposed frame or a vertically disposed metal plate and a mount for the load cell. The load cell has a monolithic measuring body that has: a force-supporting section; a force-introduction section; and a linkage section between the force-supporting section and the force-introduction section. The force-supporting section of the monolithic measuring body is laterally attached to the mount. The monolithic measuring body has at least one mounting hole through which the monolithic measuring body is attached to the mount with a screw extending horizontally through the monolithic measuring body.