Weighbridge Load Transfer Assembly Anchor Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Weighbridges using compression load cells lack rigidity, requiring a separate anchor or stop to prevent deck displacement, which increases manufacturing costs and installation time.

Innovation Solution

A load transfer assembly that includes a base with a protrusion and a bracket attached to the weighbridge deck, where the protrusion and bracket's opening restrict deck displacement relative to the base, eliminating the need for a separate anchor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If compression load cells are used to determine weight, then the weighing function is achieved, but the weighbridge lacks rigidity and requires a separate anchor or stop to prevent deck displacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight measurementVSAvoidweighbridge rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the anchor function and load transfer function into a single integrated load transfer assembly. The assembly includes a base with engagement features that connect to both the deck and the load cell, simultaneously providing structural support and enabling weight measurement without requiring separate anchor components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The load transfer assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as an anchor to prevent deck displacement, transfers load to the load cell for weighing, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate anchor or stop components while maintaining weighbridge rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a separate anchor or stop is installed to prevent deck displacement, then weighbridge rigidity is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweighbridge rigidityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the anchor function and load transfer function into a single integrated load transfer assembly. The assembly includes a base with engagement features that connect to both the deck and the load cell, simultaneously providing structural support and enabling weight measurement without requiring separate anchor components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The load transfer assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as an anchor to prevent deck displacement, transfers load to the load cell for weighing, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate anchor or stop components while maintaining weighbridge rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a separate anchor or stop is installed to prevent deck displacement, then weighbridge rigidity is improved, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweighbridge rigidityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the anchor function and load transfer function into a single integrated load transfer assembly. The assembly includes a base with engagement features that connect to both the deck and the load cell, simultaneously providing structural support and enabling weight measurement without requiring separate anchor components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The load transfer assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as an anchor to prevent deck displacement, transfers load to the load cell for weighing, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate anchor or stop components while maintaining weighbridge rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 load transfer assembly allows for the use of load cells while preventing deck displacement, reducing installation complexity and costs, and enabling quicker installation compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

use compression load cells instead of shear pins to determine the weight of the load on a weighbridge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the shear pins are deformed and the amount of deformation can be picked up by the strain gauges

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

the shear pins are deformed and the amount of deformation can be picked up by the strain gauges, the signals from which can be converted to a load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain gauge measurement: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 4

a load transfer assembly configured to transfer displacement of the deck to the load cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250198830A1weighbridge
Publication Date: 2025.06.19 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • US20250198830A1 patent drawing
  • US20250198830A1 patent drawing
  • US20250198830A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a weighbridge having a deck, a load cell (20) and a load transfer assembly (10). The load transfer assembly (10) is configured to transfer displacement of the deck to the load cell (20), in use, and includes a base (30) for attachment to a static substrate, wherein the base (30) has a protrusion (40) extending therefrom. The load transfer assembly (10) also includes a bracket (50) attached to the deck and configured to move with it, wherein the bracket (50) has a first part (52) for engagement with the load cell (20) and a second part (54) having an opening (56) in receipt of the protrusion (40). The opening (56) and protrusion (40) are together configured to restrict displacement of the deck relative to the base (30), in use.