Compact Weighing Module Transverse Calibration Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-precision weighing modules, particularly those using electromagnetic force sensors, suffer from weak overload resistance, poor reliability, and high cost, while strain sensors lack an integrated internal calibration system, making them unsuitable for compact applications with demanding automation requirements.

Innovation Solution

An integrated high-precision weighing module is designed with a transverse arrangement of the internal calibration system, sensor main body, and lever, incorporating a labyrinth-ring scale pan, a support system with an electric motor, and a V-shaped recess for the internal calibration weight, which reduces module width and enhances reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electromagnetic force sensor module is integrated with an internal calibration system, then calibration function is provided, but the module width increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration functionVSAvoidmodule width
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the arrangement dimension from width direction to length direction. The internal calibration weight is arranged along the length direction of the elastic body rather than the width direction, allowing the calibration function to be integrated without increasing module width. This dimensional reorientation resolves the contradiction between providing calibration function and maintaining compact width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The internal calibration weight is nested within the structure defined by the elastic body, with the calibration weight positioned inside the spatial envelope created by the elastic body's deformation path. This nesting allows the calibration component to be contained within the existing structural boundaries without requiring additional width space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If an electromagnetic force sensor module is integrated with an internal calibration system, then calibration function is provided, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the calibration function with the existing elastic body structure by arranging the internal calibration weight along the length direction within the same structural envelope. This integration allows a single elastic body to serve both sensing and calibration purposes, eliminating the need for separate calibration mechanisms and reducing overall manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic body is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as the sensing element for weight measurement and simultaneously provides the structural framework for the internal calibration weight. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and manufacturing complexity, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining calibration capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If a strain sensor is used, then the sensor is slender and narrow, but it lacks an integrated internal calibration system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor sizeVSAvoidlong-term reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the contradiction by arranging the internal calibration weight along the length direction of the elastic body rather than requiring width expansion. This allows the slender, narrow form factor of the strain sensor to be maintained while integrating the calibration function within the same spatial envelope.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Measurement precision

If an electromagnetic force sensor is used, then high-precision performance is achieved, but overload resistance capability is weak

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-precision performanceVSAvoidoverload resistance capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates an overload protection structure that acts as a mechanical fuse or limit stop within the elastic body system. This structure is designed to engage before the electromagnetic force sensor reaches its damage threshold, providing beforehand cushioning against overload conditions. The limit structure physically restricts the maximum deformation of the elastic body, preventing sensor damage while allowing normal high-precision operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution provides a compact, cost-effective, and reliable weighing module with improved long-term performance, easy maintenance, and enhanced overload resistance, suitable for small-area applications like packaging, while ensuring dustproof and waterproof operation.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor, wherein the electric motor and the support are attached to the mounting base plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a lever, wherein the scale pan is mounted on the lever, and the lever is connected to the sensor main body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever mechanical advantage: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS20240263992A1Integrated high-precision weighing module
Publication Date: 2024.08.08 METTLER TOLEDO (CHANGZHOU) PRECISION INSTR CO LTD
  • US20240263992A1 patent drawing
  • US20240263992A1 patent drawing
  • US20240263992A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An integrated high-precision weighing module is provided which includes a scale pan, a lever, an internal calibration system, a bottom plate assembly, and a sensor main body. The scale pan is mounted on the lever, and the lever is connected to the sensor main body. The internal calibration system, the sensor main body and the lever are arranged transversely, and the internal calibration system and the sensor main body are respectively attached to the bottom plate assembly.