Weighing Unit Load Cell Mounting for High Responsiveness
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Solution Overview
Problem
In combination weighers, the existing weighing units have low responsiveness due to the extended coupling members supporting both the weighing hopper and the gate opening/closing mechanism, which increases the distance between the load cell and the weighing hopper, leading to decreased natural frequencies and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A weighing unit configuration with a load cell directly fastened to a mounting fastener member, a coupling member extending downward to support the weighing hopper, and a gate opening/closing mechanism attached to the coupling member, allowing the weighing hopper to be positioned closer to the load cell, thereby improving responsiveness and eliminating the need for an L-shaped support member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling member is extended to support the gate opening/closing mechanism, then the weighing hopper and gate mechanism can be supported by the load cell, but the distance between the load cell and weighing hopper increases, reducing natural frequency and responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is divided into a first coupling section that supports the weighing hopper and a second coupling section that supports the gate opening/closing mechanism. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently, with the first coupling section positioned closer to the load cell to maintain high natural frequency and responsiveness for weighing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member transitions from a single extended linear structure to a multi-sectional structure with different spatial arrangements. The first coupling section extends horizontally from the load cell to support the weighing hopper, while the second coupling section extends vertically to support the gate mechanism, utilizing three-dimensional space to reduce the horizontal distance between the load cell and weighing hopper.
2Ease of manufacture
If the L-shaped support member is used to connect the load cell and mounting fastener member, then the weighing unit can be assembled, but the support member size must be increased to maintain stiffness and weighing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped support member is completely removed from the design. Instead, the load cell is directly mounted to the mounting fastener member through direct fastening, eliminating the intermediate support structure that compromised both compactness and weighing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of the L-shaped support member (structural support and load transmission) are merged directly into the load cell assembly through direct fastening. The load cell itself becomes both the sensing element and the structural support element, eliminating the need for separate support members.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling member is extended to great length, then the gate opening/closing mechanism can be supported, but the weighing hopper becomes distant from the load cell, decreasing natural frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is segmented into two distinct sections with different functions and orientations. The first coupling section maintains a short horizontal distance from the load cell to preserve high natural frequency for accurate weighing, while the second coupling section provides vertical support for the gate mechanism, ensuring both functions are fulfilled without compromise.
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 configuration enhances the natural frequency of the weighing section, improving responsiveness and enabling a compact design while maintaining a water-proof structure without compromising accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell (14) which supports the weighing hopper (14) and weighs a weight of the objects inside the weighing hopper (14)
Implementation Method 2
including an elastic body of a rectangular frame shape and a plurality of strain gauges bonded to the elastic body
Data Source
AI summary
A weighing unit includes a mounting fastener member including a vertical portion; a load cell disposed at the one side of the vertical portion and including an elastic body of a rectangular frame shape including a fastened portion fastened to a vertical surface and a movable portion opposite to the fastened portion. A plurality of strain gauges are bonded to the elastic body, a weighing hopper disposed at an opposite side of the load cell with respect to the vertical portion, and has a discharge gate, a coupling member is fastened at one end to the movable portion, and a hopper retaining section including receivers and protrusions, for retaining the weighing hopper, extends from the one end portion to the other end portion in a downward direction to a location below the elastic body; and a gate opening/closing mechanism attached to the coupling member.