Weigh Module Horizontal Constraint and Anti-Overturn Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weigh modules in industries such as cement, metallurgy, and chemical processing are prone to damage and reduced reliability due to lack of horizontal protection and anti-overturn structures, causing instability when subjected to forces like wind or intrinsic forces, which can lead to the weighed object moving and the module being compromised.

Innovation Solution

A weigh module design featuring a supporting member with a receiving hole and a connecting member that includes a limiting end to prevent displacement, combined with a sealing member having a swelled raised portion generating a restoring force to maintain stability and prevent the object from falling, utilizing a load cell, guiding member, and sealing components for enhanced protection and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a weigh module is installed under the weighed object without horizontal protection and anti-overturn structures, then the weighing function is simple and the device complexity is low, but the weigh module is easily damaged and the working reliability is lowered when subjected to external forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting member is divided into multiple functional segments: the receiving hole for vertical support, the limiting end for horizontal constraint, and the sealing member with swelled raised portion for anti-overturn protection. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high reliability through modular structural division without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from simple vertical weighing to multi-dimensional constraint by adding horizontal protection structures. The limiting end extends horizontally to prevent lateral movement, while the swelled raised portion provides anti-overturn capability in the rotational dimension, thereby protecting the weigh module from damage without significantly increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the supporting member is made stable against horizontal forces, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional protection structures

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple protective functions into integrated structures. The sealing member combines sealing functionality with anti-overturn protection through its swelled raised portion. The connecting member integrates load transmission with horizontal limiting capability. This merging approach achieves high stability while minimizing the number of separate components, thereby controlling structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If the connecting member includes a limiting end to prevent displacement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweighing accuracyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting end acts as an intermediary element between the supporting member and external horizontal forces. It mediates the interaction by providing a controlled stopping point that prevents excessive displacement while allowing normal weighing operations. This intermediary structure ensures measurement precision by maintaining proper alignment without requiring complex constraint mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 stabilizes the weighed object by preventing horizontal movement and generating a restoring force, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of the weigh module, even under external forces, thus protecting the module from damage and ensuring precise weight measurement.

Implementation Method 1

the swelled raised portion generating a restoring force when the supporting member is displaced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3411677B1Weigh module
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 METTLER TOLEDO (CHANGZHOU) PRECISION INSTR CO LTD
  • EP3411677B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3411677B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3411677B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A weigh module (100) comprises a load cell (4), a supporting member (1), a connecting member (23) and a sealing member (3). The supporting member (1) comprises a receiving hole (13) extending vertically and thoroughly. The connecting member (23) comprises a fixing end (231) fixed to the load cell (4) and a limiting end (232) extending into the receiving hole (13). The limiting end (232) is configured to prevent the supporting member (1) from getting rid of the connecting member (23). The sealing member (3) comprises a first end (311) fixed to the supporting member (1), a second end (321) fixed to the load cell (4) and a raised portion (323).