Weighing Apparatus Impact Load Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weighing apparatuses in automated production lines face damage due to impulsive loads, as they cannot effectively absorb or quantify the impact, leading to uncertainty about the cause of sensor damage despite measuring within prescribed capacities.
Innovation Solution
A method to quantify and record displacement data from mass sensors, calculate acceleration, and determine the impact load using numerical calculations, which includes an impact load quantifying means to detect and notify users of the degree of impact, preventing damage by setting reference values for manual operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a shock absorber consisting of leaf springs or coil springs is provided as a counter measure against overload, then the weighing apparatus can absorb quasi-static loads, but it does not function when acceleration to be applied to the weighing pan is a problem, that is, to such an impact load that causes damage before energy is absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shock absorber system with an electrical measurement and control system. The mass sensor detects impact loads electrically, and the control unit processes this information to identify impulsive usage patterns, substituting mechanical energy absorption with electrical signal processing and control responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the output signal from the mass sensor, compares it against reference values to detect impact loads, and provides feedback control by identifying impulsive usage patterns. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time detection and response to impact conditions.
2Productivity
If automated machine placement is used on production lines, then productivity is improved, but contact between the weighing object and weighing pan cannot be judged, and impulsive loads cause damage to the mass sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the mass sensor output in real-time during automated placement operations, providing feedback to detect impact loads. By continuously comparing the output signal against reference values, the system can identify when impulsive loads occur during automated machine placement, enabling protective control responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical protection mechanisms with an electrical monitoring and control system. Instead of relying on mechanical shock absorbers to protect the mass sensor during automated placement, the system uses electrical signal processing to detect impact loads and implements control strategies to prevent damage while maintaining automated operation.
3Productivity
If the weighing apparatus is used in automated production environments, then measurement efficiency is improved, but the user grows uncertain of the weighing apparatus itself as to why damage to the mass sensor occurs despite measuring mass within a prescribed weighing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit provides continuous feedback by monitoring the mass sensor output and comparing it against reference values. This feedback mechanism supplies the user with information about impact load conditions, allowing them to understand why damage occurs even when measuring within prescribed capacity, thereby eliminating uncertainty about apparatus performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the mass sensor and the user. It processes the raw output signal, detects impact loads, and provides interpreted information to the user. This intermediary function bridges the gap between automated operation and user understanding, explaining the causes of sensor damage through processed information.
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
This method allows for the quantification of acceleration and impact values, enabling users to recognize and mitigate impulsive usage, thus preventing mass sensor damage and reducing uncertainty in automated weighing processes.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic balance type mass sensor, in which when a measuring object is placed on the weighing unit, a load transmission mechanism being the displacement unit is displaced via a fulcrum, and displaced so as to maintain a balanced state by an electromagnetic unit connected with said load transmission mechanism, and said displacement amount is detected by a voltage output of a displacement detection sensor
Implementation Method 2
electrostatic capacitance types that measure displacement based on electrostatic capacitance of the sensors and weighing objects
Implementation Method 3
a shock absorbing mechanism (commonly called a shock absorber) consisting of leaf springs or coil springs has been provided as a counter measure against overload
Data Source
AI summary
A weighing apparatus is provided that quantifies an impact load based on an electrical output from a mass sensor to prevent damage to the mass sensor by disclosing the degree of impact to a user. The weighing apparatus includes a weighing unit on which an object is placed and a mass sensor that receives the mass×acceleration of gravity of the object as a load and measures mass from an electrical signal corresponding to displacement of an internal structure of the apparatus. The apparatus quantifies and records the amount of the displacement, and determines acceleration by a numerical calculation from the displacement data. The obtained acceleration quantifies the amount of impact applied on the weighing apparatus by the object, and may be used to warn the user when the weighing apparatus is in danger of damage.