Multi-load cell weighing shelf with stiffened frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inventory management systems in materials handling facilities lack efficient and cost-effective solutions for monitoring inventory quantities across various locations, particularly in environments with varying conditions such as ambient, refrigerated, or heated settings, and require complex assembly processes that increase manufacturing and installation costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of fixtures equipped with multiple load cells and a compliant load mount, which are easily assembled and installed, providing weight data for inventory tracking and featuring stiffeners to minimize mechanical oscillation, along with a sealed circuit board and light pipes for operational feedback, allowing for use in diverse environments and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional inventory monitoring systems are used, then inventory quantity can be tracked, but the system becomes complex and costly to manufacture and install
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is divided into multiple sections, each with its own load cell for independent weight measurement. This segmentation allows the system to track inventory in different zones separately while using simple, standardized components throughout, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining tracking precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cell assemblies serve multiple functions: they support the shelf structure, measure weight for inventory monitoring, and provide mechanical coupling between shelf sections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate support structures and sensing systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple load cells and compliant load mounts are used, then accurate weight data is provided, but manufacturing and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell assemblies are extracted as separate, pre-fabricated modules that can be manufactured independently and then installed into the shelf structure. This modular approach allows for standardized mass production of the sensing components, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement precision during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant load mount uses elastomeric material properties to provide both mechanical support and precise weight measurement capability. By selecting appropriate elastomer durometers and geometries, the system achieves accurate measurement without requiring complex mechanical linkages or expensive sensor assemblies.
3Reliability
If stiffeners are added to minimize mechanical oscillation, then measurement stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffeners are strategically positioned and dimensioned to provide maximum structural reinforcement at critical locations where oscillation occurs, rather than uniformly throughout the entire shelf. This asymmetric placement minimizes mechanical oscillation and improves measurement stability while adding minimal structural complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the fixture is designed for easy assembly and installation, then installation time is reduced, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell assemblies are pre-attached to the shelf sections during manufacturing, creating pre-assembled modules that require minimal field installation work. This preliminary action reduces installation time and complexity while maintaining structural integrity through proper factory-controlled attachment procedures.
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 reduces manufacturing and installation costs while providing accurate weight data for inventory management, enabling efficient tracking of item removals and additions across different locations, and ensures durability and ease of maintenance in high-use environments.
Implementation Method 1
The load cell assemblies are in turn mounted to a frame via compliant load mounts. Each load cell assembly comprises at least one transducer that generates a signal responsive to a physical change, such as compression of the transducer or deformation of the transducer that is affixed to a supporting member.
Implementation Method 2
Each load cell assembly comprises at least one transducer that generates a signal responsive to a physical change, such as compression of the transducer or deformation of the transducer that is affixed to a supporting member.
Implementation Method 3
The load cell assemblies are in turn mounted to a frame via compliant load mounts
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture includes a shelf upon which items may be placed. In one implementation, the shelf is supported by four load cells that provide load cell data that may be used to calculate weight data for the load on the shelf. The load cells are mounted underneath a frame, with an upper portion of a load mount extending upward through the frame and engaged to the shelf. The shelf and the frame include stiffeners to increase rigidity, improving the quality of the load cell data. Electronics and a wiring harness are located underneath the frame. In this configuration, assembly of the fixture may be accomplished completely from the underside, simplifying assembly.