Snap-Locking Load Receiver for Gravimetric Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gravimetric measuring instruments face challenges in quickly attaching and detaching load receivers from load-transmitting members, especially in compact industrial settings, due to issues with screw-based connections that are time-consuming and unsuitable for sanitary environments, and previous solutions require significant space for removal or create leakage paths.
Innovation Solution
A gravimetric measuring instrument with a snap-locking device featuring a detent element and spring element for quick and secure attachment and detachment of the load receiver, along with a fastening element that allows for angular adjustment and low thermal conductivity materials to prevent heat transfer and electrostatic charging, ensuring easy cleaning and efficient use in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw thread connection is used to fasten the load receiver to the load-transmitting member, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the installation and removal process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The load receiver is divided into two separate parts: a pan section and a fastening section. The fastening section contains a snap-locking device with detent and spring elements that can be quickly engaged and disengaged, while the pan section remains separate. This segmentation allows the fastening mechanism to be optimized for quick release without compromising the overall connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-locking device incorporates a spring element that provides dynamic locking and releasing capability. The spring allows the detent element to engage with the load-transmitting member securely during weighing operations, and can be quickly released when needed, enabling rapid installation and removal without manual screwing or unscrewing.
2Ease of operation
If a screw is arranged along the central lengthwise axis for fastening, then removal is easier without rotating the entire load receiver, but the screw creates a leakage path through the load receiver requiring sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The screw fastening element is extracted from the load receiver body and relocated to the fastening section, which is separate from the pan section. This removes the harmful screw hole and sealing requirement from the load receiver itself, eliminating the leakage path while maintaining easy removal capability through the snap-locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening section acts as an intermediary between the load receiver pan and the load-transmitting member. It provides the necessary mechanical connection and fastening functions without introducing harmful elements into the load receiver pan area, thus preventing contamination and leakage paths in the weighing chamber.
3Adaptability or versatility
If accessory devices are fastened to the load receiver, then specific application requirements are met, but the load receiver cannot be quickly removed due to space constraints and removal of accessories
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the load receiver into pan and fastening sections, accessory devices can be mounted on the pan section independently. The fastening section with the snap-locking device can be quickly released without disturbing the accessories, allowing rapid removal of the pan section for cleaning or accessory replacement without the need to remove accessories first.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a conical taper connection is used, then the load receiver remains stable even with eccentric loading, but the contact pressure becomes extremely high limiting application to small load capacities
Solution Approach 1:
The stable conical taper connection geometry is copied or replicated in the snap-locking device design. The detent element and spring mechanism recreate the stabilizing effect of the conical interface, providing reliable positioning and stability for the load receiver pan even with eccentric loads, but without the excessive contact pressure that limited previous designs to small capacities.
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 enables rapid and secure attachment/detachment of load receivers with minimal space requirements, maintains precision in weighing results, and ensures cleanliness and electrical potential equality, addressing the limitations of existing technologies in industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element which engages the detent element when the weighing pan element is seated in place
Data Source
AI summary
A gravimetric measuring instrument (10) includes a housing (103) and a weighing cell (120), wherein the latter is arranged inside the housing and includes a load-transmitting member (108). The load-transmitting member reaches through a passage opening (111) of the housing and is releasably connectable to a load receiver (401, 501, 1001). The invention has the distinguishing feature that the load receiver includes a fastening element (450), a weighing pan element (440, 540, 1040) and a snap-locking device (460, 1060) for the releasable seating of the weighing pan element on the fastening element, wherein the snap-locking device includes a detent element (461, 1061) and a spring element (462) which engages the detent element when the weighing pan element is seated in place.