Weighing Module Overload Protection with Elastic Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current weighing modules lack an effective overload protection mechanism that can uncouple both longitudinal and transverse forces, as well as torques, to prevent damage to the weighing cell and ensure precise positioning during handling by robots, especially in modular and automated production systems.
Innovation Solution
The weighing module incorporates an overload protection device within the force-transmitting linkage, featuring a fixating member and positioning element that allows elastic displacement in the load direction and tilting in orthogonal directions, along with a rotational constraint to manage torques, ensuring the load receiver returns to its original position after forces subside and maintaining precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an overload protection device is added to protect the weighing cell, then the weighing cell is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overload protection device is integrated into the force-transmitting linkage by incorporating the elastic element and positioning element directly into the existing linkage structure. The fixating member is rigidly connected to the projection on the weighing cell, merging the overload protection function with the force transmission path, thereby protecting the weighing cell while minimizing additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element is received within the sleeve, and the elastic element is positioned within the sleeve structure. The fixating member connects to the weighing cell through the integrated overload protection device, creating a nested arrangement where multiple functions are housed within compact, space-efficient configurations.
2Manufacturing precision
If the load receiver is rigidly connected to the weighing cell, then positioning precision is improved, but the weighing cell is vulnerable to damage from transverse forces and torques
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the load receiver and weighing cell is made dynamic through the elastic element, which allows controlled movement and deformation. The positioning element provides precise positioning within the sleeve while the elastic element absorbs transverse forces and torques, enabling the system to adapt to harmful forces while maintaining positioning accuracy during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element acts as an intermediary between the load receiver and the weighing cell, mediating the transmission of forces. It allows precise positioning through the positioning element while absorbing and isolating the weighing cell from harmful transverse forces and torques, protecting the sensitive weighing mechanism.
3Reliability
If the overload protection device allows movement to absorb forces, then protection is improved, but positioning stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element provides localized precise positioning within the sleeve, ensuring stability in the positioning direction. The elastic element provides localized flexibility in orthogonal directions to absorb transverse forces and torques. This differentiation of local qualities allows the system to maintain positioning stability while providing overload protection through controlled movement in specific directions.
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 solution effectively protects the weighing cell from overloads and maintains precise positioning, allowing uninterrupted weighing processes and preventing irreversible deformation or errors due to transverse forces and torques, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element whose pre-tension urges the intermediate member against the fixating member and thereby biases the load receiver against the load-receiving portion
Data Source
AI summary
A weighing module 1 has a force-transmitting linkage 13 arranged between the load-receiving portion 3 of the weighing cell 2 and the load receiver 5, with an overload protection device that precisely maintains its position being an integral part of the force-transmitting linkage 13. By means of a positioning element 7, 107, 207, the load receiver 5 is positioned without play relative to the load-receiving portion 3 in the plane that extends orthogonal to the load direction, and the load receiver 5 is also guided in the load direction without play. When forces in excess of the pre-tension force of the elastic element 8 act on the load receiver 5, the latter has the capability of being displaced in the load direction and to tip in all directions that are orthogonal to the load direction. The housing part 18 serves to delimit at least the range of linear downward deflection as well the tipping movement of the load receiver 5 when the load receiver 5 is exposed to transverse forces and to overloads. The rotation constraint 20 is rigidly connected to the load receiver 5 and engages a housing-connected recess 21. To position the load receiver 5 relative to its operating environment, a positioning device 16 is provided, whose central longitudinal axis coincides with the central longitudinal axis of the load receiver 5.