Weighing Device Self-Calibration Using Real-Time Localization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current calibration processes for weighing equipment require specialized and authorized personnel to bring test weights, resulting in increased costs and time dependencies due to the need for on-site visits.

Innovation Solution

A weighing device equipped with a load receiver, evaluation device, and real-time localization system that uses localization tags on test weights to automatically determine their position and weight value, enabling self-calibration and reducing personnel effort through remote verification and secure data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If authorized personnel perform on-site calibration using test weights, then calibration accuracy and compliance are ensured, but personnel costs and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The weighing device enables self-calibration by automatically detecting test weights placed on the load receptor and performing calibration procedures without requiring authorized personnel to be physically present. The system uses automated weight detection, position verification, and calibration execution to allow end-users to perform calibrations independently, eliminating the need for on-site visits while maintaining calibration accuracy through automated verification processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of authorized personnel physically transporting and handling test weights with an automated electronic system. The weighing device automatically detects test weights using load receptors, identifies their positions and values through electronic evaluation, and executes calibration procedures via software control, substituting the mechanical human operation with an automated electromechanical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If authorized personnel perform on-site calibration using test weights, then calibration compliance is ensured, but personnel expenditure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration complianceVSAvoidpersonnel requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-calibration by automatically guiding users through the calibration process, detecting test weights, verifying their positions, and executing calibration procedures without requiring specialized personnel. The automated system maintains compliance through built-in verification logic that ensures calibration procedures are performed correctly, replacing the need for authorized personnel with an automated compliance assurance mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The weighing device incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically verify test weight detection, position validation, and calibration result confirmation. The system provides real-time feedback to users about the calibration status and compliance, automatically adjusting and verifying procedures to ensure regulatory requirements are met, thereby maintaining calibration compliance without specialized personnel oversight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If manual calibration procedures are used, then simplicity of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidcalibration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual calibration operations with an automated electronic system that detects test weights, determines their positions and values, and executes calibration procedures automatically. This substitution maintains ease of operation by requiring minimal user input (simply placing test weights on the platform) while dramatically improving productivity through automated processing, eliminating the need for manual calculation and verification steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs calibration operations autonomously by automatically detecting test weights, evaluating their positions and values, and executing calibration procedures without requiring skilled operators. This self-service capability maintains operational simplicity for users while significantly increasing calibration throughput and efficiency, as the system can perform multiple calibration operations rapidly without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables self-calibration of weighing devices by users, reducing costs and time by automating the calibration process while ensuring compliance with calibration regulations through secure and tamper-proof data handling.

Implementation Method 1

a real-time localization system comprising a localization computer (13) designed to determine an identifier and a position of a test weight (11) provided with a localization tag (10) on the load receptor (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal propagation time measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3921606B1Weighing device and method for checking said device
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3921606B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3921606B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

In order to reduce the personnel expenditure for calibrating a weighing device, a test weight (12) provided with a localization tag (10) is placed on a load sensor (2) of the weighing device and the weight value thereof is determined. An identifier and the position of the test weight (11) on the load sensor (2) are automatically determined by means of a real-time localization system (9). The weighing device is automatically checked on the basis of the determined identifier and position of the test weight (11) and the determined weight value thereof.