Multiple Weighing Scale Dynamic Plate Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multiple weighing scales face challenges in accurately measuring objects of varying masses with high resolution without risking damage to the measuring devices, particularly when objects exceed the capacity of the second measuring device, and require a uniform surface for correct placement.

Innovation Solution

A multiple scale design featuring a single measuring plate shared by multiple devices, with a mobile structure that allows the second measuring device to come into contact with the plate, enabling the first measuring device to measure heavier objects indirectly, thus preventing overload and allowing high-resolution measurements for objects of any shape or size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a second measuring device with small capacity and high resolution is arranged above a first measuring device with great capacity and low resolution, then measurement precision is improved for small objects, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult object placement requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement resolutionVSAvoidobject placement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a mobile support structure that can dynamically change position between a first position (where the second measuring device contacts the measuring plate) and a second position (where the first measuring device contacts the measuring plate). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different measurement needs, automatically selecting the appropriate measuring device based on object mass without requiring users to manually position objects correctly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically determines which measuring device should be used based on the mass of the object placed on the measuring plate. The system self-adjusts by moving the mobile support structure to the appropriate position, eliminating the need for users to manually select or position objects for specific measuring devices. The scale performs the selection and configuration automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If a support structure surrounds the second measuring device to create a uniform surface, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and adaptability deteriorates due to shape limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement uniformityVSAvoidobject shape acceptance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile support structure dynamically repositions between supporting the second measuring device (for small, precise measurements) and supporting the first measuring device (for larger objects). This eliminates the need for a fixed support structure that would constrain object shapes, as the system adapts its configuration based on the measurement requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring plate serves multiple functions: it can directly support objects for measurement by the first measuring device, or it can support the mobile structure with the second measuring device for high-precision measurements of smaller objects. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for shape-specific support structures and accommodates objects of various sizes and shapes.

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

3Measurement precision

If the second measuring device is arranged in direct contact with the measuring plate, then measurement precision is improved for small objects, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of overload damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh resolution measurementVSAvoiddevice protection from overload
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile support structure dynamically positions itself to support only the appropriate measuring device for each measurement task. When measuring small objects, it positions the second measuring device in contact with the measuring plate for high precision. When larger objects are detected, it moves to position the first measuring device, preventing overload of the second device. This dynamic switching protects reliability while maintaining measurement precision when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile support structure acts as an intermediary between the measuring plate and the measuring devices. It selectively transfers the load from the measuring plate to either the first or second measuring device based on object mass, preventing direct contact between oversized objects and the fragile second measuring device, thus protecting it from overload damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a single measuring plate is shared by multiple measuring devices, then adaptability is improved for different object sizes, but device complexity increases due to mobile structure requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject size rangeVSAvoidmobile structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single measuring plate is designed to serve multiple functions: it can directly support objects for measurement by the first measuring device, or it can support the mobile structure with the second measuring device for high-precision measurements of smaller objects. This multi-functionality provides adaptability for different object sizes and shapes without requiring multiple separate measuring plates.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile support structure, while adding complexity, enables the single measuring plate to be dynamically reconfigured for different measurement scenarios. The control unit automates the positioning, making the complexity manageable and allowing the system to achieve versatility that would otherwise require multiple fixed measuring plates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 accurate, high-resolution mass measurement of objects without risking damage to the measuring devices, as the mobile structure adjusts to direct the weight to the appropriate device based on the object's mass, accommodating objects of different sizes and shapes without the need for special placement.

Implementation Method 1

at least one mobile structure (4), arranged on said first measuring device (3), comprising: a fixed base (42), adapted to be fixed on a reference surface; a lifting structure (44), for selectively lifting said second measuring device (5) and comprising at least one actuator device (441)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3161430B1Multiple weighing scale
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 DROCCO LUCA
  • EP3161430B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3161430B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3161430B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~5C

AI summary

Multiple weighing scale (2) comprising a first measuring device (3) and at least a second measuring device (5), both for detecting masses of objects (O). The weighing scale (2) comprises a single measuring plate (D), which is shared by all the measuring devices (3, 5), arranged in contact with said first measuring device (3) at least in an initial operating configuration and at least one first mobile structure (4), for selectively moving said second measuring device (5) so as to selectively cause said second measuring device (5) to come into contact with said measuring plate (D), in order to allow the measurement to be performed by means of said second measuring device (5) instead of said first measuring device (1).