Vibrating Mass Measurement Using Accelerometer Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for measuring the mass of vibrating bodies, such as product reserves in spraying installations, are imprecise due to the interference of mechanical vibrations, leading to fluctuations and potential interruptions in product supply.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a support, a frame, an actuator for vibrating the support, an accelerometer to measure acceleration values, and an electronic control module that calculates speed and frequency values to estimate the mass of the body, allowing for precise mass determination by comparing these values against predetermined thresholds and generating signals for the user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical vibrations are applied to the reserve to facilitate product homogenization and prevent supply interruptions, then the reliability of product supply is improved, but the precision of mass measurement deteriorates due to continuous variation of displacement values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of product supplyVSAvoidprecision of mass measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the measurement function from the vibrating system by using an accelerometer to measure acceleration directly, rather than trying to measure displacement or weight during vibration. This separates the measurement process from the harmful effects of vibration, allowing mass determination through acceleration data and control system calculations without being affected by the mechanical vibrations that improve supply reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical weighing systems (scales, load cells) with an accelerometer-based measurement system. Instead of using mechanical components that are sensitive to vibration, the system uses an accelerometer to measure acceleration values, which are then processed by a control system to determine mass. This substitution eliminates the direct impact of mechanical vibrations on measurement precision while maintaining the vibration-induced supply reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If traditional balance systems are used to measure the mass of the reserve, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates under vibrational conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of measurement deviceVSAvoidprecision of mass measurement under vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple mechanical balances with an accelerometer-based system combined with control system processing. The accelerometer provides vibration-resistant acceleration measurements, and the control system calculates mass from acceleration data, achieving superior measurement precision under vibrational conditions while accepting increased device complexity compared to traditional balances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If acceleration values are measured during vibration to determine mass, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for electronic control modules and signal processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of mass measurementVSAvoidcomplexity of electronic control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an accelerometer to replace mechanical weighing mechanisms, providing direct acceleration measurements that are inherently more precise under vibration. The electronic control system processes these acceleration values to determine mass, accepting the necessary increase in device complexity to achieve the improved measurement precision that mechanical systems cannot provide during vibrational operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device provides a more precise measurement of the mass of vibrating bodies, reducing the likelihood of supply interruptions and enabling timely refilling of product reserves, with the mass estimation being accurate and reliable.

Implementation Method 1

an accelerometer (35) designed to measure values of an acceleration of the support (20) upon vibration of the support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer measurement: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS12097517B2Device for measuring a mass of a body and associated methods

Publication Date: 2024.09.24 EXEL INDUSTRIES

AI summary

A device for measuring a mass of a body, the device including a support suitable for supporting the body, a frame and an actuator designed to vibrate the support relative to the frame. The device includes an accelerometer designed to measure values of an acceleration of the support upon vibration of the support, and an electronic control module designed to estimate the mass of the support body from the measured acceleration values.