Weigh Module Load-Transmitting Arrangement for Anti-Overturn Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weighing modules in industries such as cement, metallurgy, and food processing are prone to damage and reduced reliability due to lack of horizontal protection and anti-overturn structures, causing instability when subjected to external or internal forces like wind or intrinsic forces.
Innovation Solution
A weigh module design incorporating a load cell, a supporting member with a vertical receiving hole, a connecting member, a bearing member, and a rolling ball, which transfers forces applied to the supporting member to the load cell through the bearing and connecting members, ensuring stability and preventing the weighed object from falling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple weighing modules are installed under the weighed object without horizontal protection structure, then the weighing function is simple and easy to implement, but the weigh module is easily damaged and working reliability is lowered when subjected to external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is divided into multiple functional components: a receiving hole for vertical load acceptance, a limiting portion for horizontal movement restriction, and a load transmitting arrangement with connecting members. This segmentation allows each component to address specific reliability issues without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting portion of the supporting member proactively prevents horizontal movement of the weighed object before external forces can cause damage. By anticipating potential harmful horizontal displacements (from wind, intrinsic forces, or accidental pushes), the structure preemptively constrains movement in the horizontal direction while allowing vertical weighing functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If no anti-overturn structure is provided, then the device is simple and compact, but the weighed object can be moved in any direction and the weigh module is easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The load transmitting arrangement uses asymmetric connecting members with specific geometric configurations that provide stability against overturning forces. The connecting members are positioned and oriented to create rotational resistance without requiring symmetric reinforcement in all directions, maintaining compactness while achieving anti-overturn functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses horizontal stability issues (previously requiring complex 3D anti-overturn structures) by introducing a dimensional constraint through the limiting portion that restricts horizontal movement. This converts a three-dimensional stability problem into a more manageable constraint along specific axes, reducing overall structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If a load transmitting arrangement with bearing member and rolling ball is added, then force transfer accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling ball acts as an intermediary element between the bearing member and the connecting member, facilitating smooth force transfer while minimizing friction. This simple spherical intermediary provides precise load transmission without requiring complex mechanical linkages, maintaining measurement accuracy while avoiding excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical force transfer mechanisms with a simpler bearing-and-rolling-ball system. Instead of using multiple links, joints, and mechanical advantage systems, the invention uses the rolling ball to convert sliding friction into rolling friction, achieving accurate force transfer with fewer components and reduced complexity.
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 stable and compact weigh module that effectively transfers forces and prevents the weighed object from moving or falling, enhancing the module's reliability and accuracy even under external influences.
Implementation Method 1
the force applied on the supporting member can be transferred to the load cell via the bearing member, rolling ball and the connecting member
Data Source
AI summary
A weigh module (100) comprises a load cell (4), a supporting member (1) and a load transmitting arrangement (2). The supporting member (1) comprises a receiving hole (13) extending vertically and thoroughly. The load transmitting arrangement (2) comprises a connecting member (23), a bearing member (21) and a rolling ball (22). The connecting member (23) connects the load cell (4) to the supporting member (1). One end of the connecting member (23) is fixed to the load cell (4) and another end of the connecting member (23) extends into the receiving hole (13). The bearing member (21) is disposed in the receiving hole (13) and is fixed to the supporting member (1). The rolling ball (22) is disposed between the bearing member (21) and the connecting member (23), whereby the force applied on the supporting member (1) can be transferred to the load cell (4) via the bearing member (21), the rolling ball (22) and the connecting member (23).