Symmetrical Sensor Mounting Bracket for Load Cell Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load cell mounting systems suffer from undetermined output changes due to mounting effects caused by frictional joints and temperature variations, leading to reduced accuracy and resolution, especially in high-precision applications like pharmaceutical scales, where achieving higher than 25,000 unit divisions is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A symmetrical load sensor mounting bracket with a rectangular base and four side walls, featuring sensor attachment fixtures and mounting elements that extend outwardly to attach to a load bearing plate or support structure, providing flexibility perpendicular to the sensor's sensitivity direction and canceling out mounting effects through symmetry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the sensor is mounted rigidly to the support structure to reduce distortion, then mounting stability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to undetermined output changes from mounting effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting bracket as an intermediary component between the sensor and support structure. This bracket includes flexible elements that act as mediators to decouple the sensor from mounting-induced distortions while maintaining stable positioning, thereby resolving the contradiction between mounting stability and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the stiffness parameter of the mounting structure by incorporating flexible elements with controlled flexibility. This allows the mounting structure to be compliant enough to isolate sensor distortions while remaining stable enough to maintain proper sensor alignment and positioning
2Object-affected harmful factors
If stiffening members are used to control sensor stiffness at attachment areas, then mounting effects are reduced, but sensor performance is compromised due to limited resolution and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible mounting bracket serves as an intermediary that isolates the sensor from harmful mounting effects without requiring stiffening members attached to the sensor itself. This protects sensor performance while still reducing mounting effects through the compliant mounting structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into separate functional components: the rigid support structure, the flexible mounting bracket, and the sensor. This segmentation allows each component to perform its optimal function without compromising the others, enabling high precision measurements while still controlling mounting effects
3Measurement precision
If calibration is performed to compensate for mounting effects, then measurement accuracy is improved for lower resolution sensors, but the compensation is limited and cannot achieve high resolution above 25,000 divisions
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible mounting bracket performs preliminary action by pre-isolating the sensor from mounting effects before measurements are taken. This proactive isolation eliminates the need for extensive calibration to compensate for distortions, enabling high resolution measurements from the outset
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor mounting bracket comprising a base portion and at least one side wall upstanding from the edge of the at least one base portion; at least one sensor attachment fixture located on the base portion and configured to facilitate attachment of the bracket to a sensor mounting fixture, and at least one mounting element extending outwardly from the side wall configured to facilitate attachment of the bracket to a load bearing plate or a sensor support structure. The invention further relates to a symmetrical mounting bracket comprising a pair of sensor mounting brackets combined one above the other in parallel orientation.