Weigh Module Lockout Assembly for Force Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weigh modules, particularly strain gauge types, are prone to damage from excessive forces exceeding their maximum load ratings during installation, maintenance, or seismic events, and existing methods for protecting them, such as using spacers and shims, are cumbersome and difficult to reapply due to tight tolerances and limited clearances.
Innovation Solution
A lockout assembly that includes a top plate with a load cell, a cowling with a flange spacer, a jack arm, and a jack screw with an adjustable jack nut, which can be positioned to either engage or disengage with the support structure, allowing for selective limitation of forces applied to the weigh module, thereby protecting it from excessive loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spacers or shims are installed into weigh modules at manufacture to prevent excessive forces, then the weigh module is protected from damage, but the spacers and shims are difficult to reinstall without substantial deconstruction due to tight tolerances and limited clearances
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is segmented into modular components: a removable protective plate that can be separated from the weigh module body. This allows the protective element to be independently installed and removed without deconstructing the entire weigh module assembly, solving the reinstallation difficulty while maintaining protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective plate is pre-configured with alignment features and mounting structures that enable easy installation and removal before and after weighing operations. This preliminary preparation of the protective element allows for simple reinstallation without requiring substantial deconstruction, while still providing the necessary protection against excessive forces.
2Reliability
If spacers and shims are retained for later use during relocation, then protection can be maintained, but the process becomes tedious to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The protective plate is designed as a dynamic, removable component rather than a permanent fixture. It can be quickly installed when protection is needed and removed when weighing operations are required, allowing for efficient relocation and reinstallation without tedious procedures. The protective element adapts to different operational states through simple attachment and detachment.
3Reliability
If the jack nut is positioned to engage the support structure, then excessive forces are limited and the weigh module is protected, but the weigh module cannot perform dynamic weighing function
Solution Approach 1:
The jack nut positioning mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable between two states: engaged with the support structure for protection during relocation, and disengaged for normal weighing operations. This dynamic positioning allows the system to switch between protective mode and operational mode, ensuring both reliability and ease of operation at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective mechanism is activated in advance before excessive forces can damage the weigh module. During relocation activities, the jack nut is positioned to engage the support structure beforehand, creating a preliminary protective state that prevents damage before it can occur. During normal operations, the protection is disengaged to allow weighing function.
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 lockout assembly effectively limits forces applied to the weigh module, enabling safe removal and relocation without damaging the load cell, while maintaining support for the equipment flange, thus preventing physical damage and simplifying the reinstallation process.
Implementation Method 1
a jack screw that extends further down from the jack arm adjacent to, but not engaging, the support structure
Implementation Method 2
a jack nut threaded onto the jack screw, which is adjustable between a lockout position wherein the jack nut engages the support structure
Implementation Method 3
a top plate with a load cell disposed underneath, which senses force applied to the top plate from an equipment flange
Data Source
AI summary
A lockout assembly for selectively limiting the force applied to a weigh module, with a load cell, that senses force applied to a top plate from an equipment flange. A cowling with a flange spacer, is placed between the top plate and the equipment flange. The cowling has a jack arm that extends laterally and downwardly therefrom, and a jack screw extending downwardly, adjacent a support structure. A jack nut is threaded onto the jack screw, and is adjustable between a lockout position wherein the jack nut engages the support structure, and a weighing position wherein the jack nut does not engage the support structure.