Plug-Type Weighing Cell Connection for Conveyor Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing conveyor systems for weighing cells are complicated to connect electrically, often requiring multiple cables that can interfere with the weighing process and complicate assembly, maintenance, and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A plug connection system on the load receptor of the weighing cell allows for mechanical and electrical connection of the conveyor system, eliminating the need for external cables and ensuring secure, alignment-protected, and explosion-proof connections, with a quick-action clamping device for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple external cables are used for electrical connection of the conveyor system, then the electrical connection can be established, but the connection process becomes complicated and the weighing result is negatively influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical support function and electrical connection function into a single integrated load receptor. The plug connection is built into the load receptor structure, merging what were previously separate components (mechanical support + external cable connections) into one unified interface. This eliminates the need for multiple external cables and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The load receptor is designed with multi-functionality: it provides mechanical support for the conveyor system, incorporates the plug connection for electrical power and signals, and serves as the sole interface for both mechanical and electrical connections. This universal design eliminates the need for separate external cable management systems.
2Ease of operation
If multiple cables and external connections are used, then electrical power and signals can be transmitted, but assembly and maintenance processes are complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components with a standardized plug connection interface. The load receptor with integrated plug connection serves as a self-contained module that can be quickly connected or disconnected as a single unit, eliminating the need to handle multiple separate cable connections during assembly or maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug connection is pre-integrated into the load receptor structure during manufacturing, so that during field assembly or maintenance, users only need to perform the single action of placing or removing the conveyor system on/from the load receptor. All electrical connections are already prepared and built-in, eliminating time-consuming cable routing and connection tasks.
3Reliability
If external cables are used for connection, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the connection process may result in misalignment, polarity reversal, or twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The plug connection incorporates asymmetric design features such as positionally offset contact elements and corresponding receptacle features. This asymmetry ensures that the plug can only be inserted in the correct orientation, preventing misalignment, polarity reversal, or twisting errors. The geometric constraints of the asymmetric design guide proper alignment automatically during the connection process.
Data Source
AI summary
A weighing cell includes a load receptor having a plug connector mounted thereon. The plug connector is adapted to receive a complementary plug connector of a conveying system so as to connect the conveying system to the load receptor either mechanically or electrically, or both. The load receptor-mounted plug connector may be adapted to receive the complementary plug connector in only one orientation to ensure proper electrical connections where such connections are made through the plug connector. The load receptor-mounted plug connector also include a centering arrangement for facilitating the proper connection with the complementary plug connector.