Weighing Module Horizontal Vertical Overload Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weighing modules with elastic force transmissions are prone to tearing or loss of elasticity due to high tensile forces, especially during sudden braking or uneven weight distribution, which affects measurement accuracy and stability.
Innovation Solution
A weighing module design featuring a first elastic compressible element held between two housing parts with initial open play in horizontal directions, allowing limited movement and direct contact when horizontal forces exceed a certain value, and a second elastic element for vertical forces, ensuring that high stresses are not applied to the elastic elements, thus protecting them from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic elements are used in force transmission to smooth dynamic peak loads, then measurement stability is improved, but the elastic elements can only endure limited tensile forces and may tear or lose elasticity under high tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission system is segmented into multiple independent elastic elements (first elastic compressible element for horizontal forces, second elastic element for vertical forces) housed in separate housing parts. This segmentation allows each element to handle specific force directions independently, preventing any single element from being overloaded by combined forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing parts act as intermediary structures between the elastic elements and the force sensor. The housing parts with integrated stops provide mechanical limits that protect the elastic elements from excessive tensile forces while still allowing the elastic elements to function as force transmitters for normal operation.
2Strength
If mechanical limits (stops) are built in to counteract tearing of elastic elements under high tensile forces, then the elastic elements are protected from damage, but the limiting elements form a connection between auxiliary frame and main frame that directly affects weighing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple housing parts (first housing part, second housing part, third housing part, fourth housing part) with gaps between them. The stops are integrated into specific housing parts rather than forming direct connections between the auxiliary frame and main frame, isolating the mechanical limits from the force transmission path to the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing parts serve as intermediary structures that provide mechanical protection through integrated stops while maintaining isolation from the force transmission path. The stops prevent excessive movement of the housing parts relative to each other, protecting the elastic elements without interfering with the force measurement.
3Strength
If multiple stops and set bolts are used to limit forces on the auxiliary frame, then the elastic elements are protected from excessive forces, but the construction becomes unwieldy and not compact
Solution Approach 1:
The housing parts are merged into an integrated assembly where the first and second housing parts form a combined structure, as do the third and fourth housing parts. The stops are integrated directly into the housing parts rather than being separate components, reducing the overall number of parts and creating a compact construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing parts are arranged in a nested configuration where the first housing part and second housing part form an outer assembly, and the third housing part and fourth housing part form an inner assembly. This nested arrangement allows the multiple housing parts to occupy less space while maintaining the protective function of the stops.
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 design provides a compact, wear-resistant, and shock-resistant force transmission that maintains measurement accuracy by limiting tensile stresses on the elastic elements and preventing tearing, while ensuring precise force transmission to the force sensor.
Implementation Method 1
the force transmission consists of a first elastic compressible element (6) that is held in a vertical direction between a first housing part (7) and a second housing part (8) located below it that is movable with respect to the first housing part
Implementation Method 2
the force sensor(s) measure, in a known way, the bending of a rod-shaped element as a result of the load to be determined, for example by means of strain gauges to which an electrical voltage is applied. As a result of the bending, the resistance of the strain gauges changes
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A weighing module for statically or dynamically weighing loads, and this weighing module (1) consists of a main frame (2), an auxiliary frame (3) on which the loads to be weighed are placed, and between the two frames (2 and 3) there is a force sensor (4) for measuring or determining the forces exerted on the force sensor (4), whereby between the force sensor (4) and the auxiliary frame (3) there is an elastic force transmission (5) or 'elastomer' for transmitting the forces from the auxiliary frame (3) to the main frame (2), primarily along a vertical direction (?-?') and a horizontal direction (X-X', Y-Y' ), characterised in that the force transmission (5) consists of a first elastic compressible element (6) that is held in the vertical direction (X-X' ) between a first housing part (7), by which the force transmission (5) is secured to the auxiliary frame (3) or forms part of it, and a second housing part (8) located below it that is movable with respect to the first housing part (7), and whereby the force transmission (5) rests on the force sensor (4) for a direct vertical force transmission via the first elastic element (6), and whereby at rest an open play (9) is left between the two housing parts (7 and 8), at least along two horizontal directions (X-X' and Y-Y' ) that are transverse to one another, in order to enable, when there are limited horizontal forces on the auxiliary frame (3), a limited horizontal freedom of movement up to the play between the two housing parts (7 and 8), thanks to the elasticity of the first elastic element (6), and whereby this play (9) is chosen such that when the horizontal forces exceed a certain value in an aforementioned horizontal direction, the play (9) in this direction is eliminated and both housing parts (7 and 8) come into contact with one another in the horizontal direction.