Weighing Apparatus Flow Rate Cycle Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weighing apparatuses require manual and complex operations to set the flow rate calculation cycle for accurate flow rate measurement, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies, especially when dealing with different flow rates and resolutions.
Innovation Solution
A weighing apparatus with a load sensor unit, A/D conversion unit, arithmetic processing unit, and storage unit that automatically calculates and sets the flow rate calculation cycle based on the required resolution, minimizing manual intervention and ensuring accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the flow rate calculation cycle is set to a short interval to improve measurement responsiveness, then the measurement speed increases, but the resolution of the flow rate value becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate calculation cycle is made dynamically adjustable based on the detected flow rate. The control unit automatically selects an appropriate calculation cycle from multiple predetermined cycles based on the magnitude of the detected flow rate, allowing the system to adapt the measurement interval to the actual flow conditions rather than using a fixed cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the time parameter (calculation cycle) based on the flow rate magnitude. By selecting different calculation cycles (e.g., 1 sec, 10 sec, 60 sec) according to the detected flow rate, the system optimizes both responsiveness and precision for different measurement conditions.
2Measurement precision
If the flow rate calculation cycle is set to a long interval to improve flow rate value resolution, then the measurement precision increases, but the measurement speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the calculation cycle based on actual flow conditions. For high flow rates where short intervals suffice for precision, the system selects shorter cycles, while for low flow rates requiring longer intervals for adequate resolution, it automatically selects longer cycles, thus optimizing measurement speed for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The time parameter is varied according to flow rate magnitude, allowing the system to use longer intervals only when necessary for low flow rates, thereby maintaining high measurement speed for most conditions while ensuring adequate precision when needed.
3Measurement precision
If manual setting of flow rate calculation cycle is required to achieve accurate measurement, then the measurement precision can be optimized, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically performs the function of selecting the appropriate calculation cycle based on the detected flow rate, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously optimizing measurement parameters according to actual conditions, thereby maintaining precision while greatly simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the flow rate detection to automatically adjust the calculation cycle. The control unit continuously monitors the flow rate and selects appropriate calculation cycles based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes measurement accuracy without requiring manual setting.
4Device complexity
If the flow rate calculation cycle is fixed to simplify the device structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different flow rates and resolutions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a fixed calculation cycle, the system implements a dynamic selection mechanism that chooses from multiple predetermined cycles based on detected flow rates. This maintains relatively simple device structure while achieving high adaptability to different measurement conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to handle multiple calculation cycle selections based on different flow rate conditions, making it a universal component that adapts to various measurement requirements without requiring separate dedicated systems for different flow rates.
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
Automatically determines the optimal flow rate calculation cycle, simplifying operations and reducing errors, allowing for precise and efficient flow rate measurements across varying flow rates and resolutions.
Implementation Method 1
a load sensor unit configured to detect a load of a flow rate calculation target and output load signals
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a weighing apparatus with a flowmeter function includes a load sensor unit configured to detect a load of a flow rate calculation target, an A/D conversion unit configured to sequentially convert load signals from the load sensor unit into digital load data at predetermined intervals, an arithmetic processing unit configured to sequentially convert the load data into weighed values to calculate flow rate values, and a storage unit for storing the weighed values. The arithmetic processing unit calculates change amounts in weighed values and calculates a flow rate value based on a flow rate calculation cycle set based on a minimum time by which the change amounts become equal to or more than a change amount in weighed value, the change amount being calculated based on a minimum indication of weighed value and the required resolution of weighed value and satisfying a required resolution.