Storage Tank Weighing via Compression Spring Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerant recovery units face challenges in accurately measuring refrigerant weight due to vibration and movement during transportation, which can damage the scale system, particularly the load cell, used for weighing the storage tank and its contents.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a load cell, a storage tank, a first plate removably attached to the tank, and compression springs that dampen kinetic energy and transmit the weight force to the load cell through a platform, allowing for accurate weight measurement while protecting the load cell from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the storage tank is directly placed on the load cell for weighing, then the weight measurement is direct and simple, but the load cell is vulnerable to damage from vibrations and movements during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
A platform is introduced as an intermediary component between the storage tank and the load cell. This platform serves as a mediator that transfers the weight of the storage tank to the load cell while isolating the load cell from direct impact of vibrations and movements during transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with pre-positioned platform and support structures that are in place before transportation occurs. This beforehand cushioning arrangement ensures that the load cell is protected from vibration damage before any harmful movements occur during transport.
2Reliability
If the storage tank is secured firmly to prevent movement, then the load cell is protected from damage, but the ability to transport the refrigerant recovery unit from one location to another is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing system is segmented into separate components: the storage tank, the platform, and the load cell. This segmentation allows the storage tank to be movable for transportation while the load cell remains stationary and protected, resolving the conflict between mobility and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic movement of the storage tank during transportation while maintaining a static, protected position for the load cell. The platform acts as a flexible intermediary that accommodates movement without transmitting damaging forces to the load cell.
3Reliability
If vibration damping mechanisms are added to protect the load cell, then the load cell is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform serves as a simple intermediary structure that naturally dampens vibrations through its physical properties and design, rather than requiring complex active vibration damping mechanisms. This keeps the system relatively simple while still providing protection.
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 effectively measures the weight of refrigerant in the storage tank with reduced risk of load cell damage from vibrations and movements, ensuring accurate refrigerant quantity determination during recovery, recycling, or reintroduction processes.
Implementation Method 1
dampening, by one or more compression springs disposed below and supporting the first plate, kinetic energy associated with the applied force
Implementation Method 2
one or more compression springs disposed below and supporting the first plate
Implementation Method 3
transmitting, by the one or more compression springs, the applied force to a second plate of a platform via one or more feet of the platform corresponding to one or more legs of the platform
Implementation Method 4
applying, by the platform, the applied force on a load cell
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for weighing contents of a storage tank. One apparatus for weighing contents of a storage tank includes a load cell and a storage tank. The apparatus further includes a first plate removably attached to the storage tank. The apparatus additionally includes one or more compression springs disposed below and supporting the first plate. Still further, the apparatus includes a platform that includes a second plate, between the first plate and the storage tank, and one or more legs. The second plate engages the load cell. Each leg corresponds to one of the compression springs. Each leg extends from the second plate through a through-hole in the first plate and through a corresponding compression spring to a corresponding foot that supports the corresponding compression spring. The storage tank and the first plate are movable relative to the load cell and the platform.