Suspendable Bundle Scale With Nested Wireless Weighing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scales used in forest machines for weighing bundles are prone to inaccuracies and damage due to vibrations and impacts, which affect the power supply and measurement accuracy, especially when the wireless transmitter is exposed and separate from the scale body.
Innovation Solution
A suspendable scale design with a self-powered power supply and wireless transmitter integrated within the scale, allowing for a more compact and robust structure that is shielded from impacts, with strain gauges and a 3D acceleration sensor to enhance measurement accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireless transmitter and power supply are exposed and separate from the scale body, then the scale structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the transmitter and power supply are vulnerable to vibrations and impacts causing damage and measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the wireless transmitter and power supply into the scale body, merging previously separate components into a unified structure. This protects the electronic components from external vibrations and impacts while maintaining wireless functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless transmitter and power supply are nested within the scale body structure. The transmitter is housed in a protected compartment within the scale, and the power supply is integrated into the internal structure, allowing compact arrangement while protecting sensitive components from mechanical damage.
2Reliability
If the scale structure is made more robust to withstand vibrations and impacts, then the reliability improves, but the scale becomes larger and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local reinforcement only where needed - the scale body structure is strengthened specifically in areas where electronic components are housed and where measurement forces are transmitted, while other areas maintain their original dimensions. This localized approach provides necessary protection without increasing overall scale size.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale body utilizes composite construction combining materials with different properties - stronger materials in critical load-bearing and protection areas, and lighter materials in non-critical areas. This allows robust protection against vibrations and impacts while minimizing overall weight and volume increase.
3Measurement precision
If strain gauges are used to measure forces on the scale, then measurement accuracy improves, but the scale becomes more sensitive to external vibrations and impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vibration isolation elements as intermediaries between the scale body and the external environment. These elements filter out high-frequency vibrations and impacts before they reach the strain gauges, allowing accurate force measurement while reducing sensitivity to harmful external factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical strain measurement systems with a hybrid approach combining strain gauges and wireless vibration sensors. This substitution allows digital filtering and compensation of vibration effects through software algorithms, maintaining measurement accuracy while reducing mechanical sensitivity to impacts.
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 a more reliable and accurate weighing system by protecting the power supply and transmitter from external factors, improving measurement accuracy and reducing the risk of damage, while allowing for a lower and narrower scale design that can withstand the demands of forest machine operations.
Implementation Method 1
a third part joining the first part and second part, arranged to change shape from the effect of the implement acting on the first part and second part and caused by the bundle to be hoisted by it
Implementation Method 2
at least two, preferably 4-8 strain gauges connected to the third part for forming measurement data on the forces acting on it, on the basis of the deformation of the third part
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a suspendable scale for weighing a bundle, comprising:a first part for suspending the scale from a structure;a second part for suspending an implement from the scale;a third part joining the first part and second part, the first part, second part, third part being at least partly radially nesting relative to one another;at least two strain gauges connected to the third part;a wireless transmitter for sending the measurement data to an operator;a self-powered power supply for feeding an electric current to the strain gauges and the wireless transmitter;a first space formed in the scale to integrate the wireless transmitter inside the scale; anda second space to integrate the power supply inside the scale.The invention also relates to an arrangement for hoisting a bundle.