Articulatable Weight Loader for Pan Scale Symmetry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manipulating and placing heavy weights on a pan scale in a symmetrical manner can be difficult due to their weight, leading to burdensome lifting and maneuvering for operators, especially when trying to place them simultaneously on opposing weight placement locations to prevent the scale from tipping.

Innovation Solution

A weight loader apparatus with articulatable arms and a lifting mechanism that allows for the simultaneous or nearly simultaneous placement of weights on a pan scale, maintaining a predefined orientation, by positioning weight supports between weight stacks and placement locations and lowering them onto the scale.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If weights are placed manually on a pan scale, then the operator can position the weights, but the operator experiences heavy lifting burden and difficulty in maneuvering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of weight placementVSAvoidweight of weights

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a weight loader apparatus as an intermediary device between the operator and the weights. The loader includes arms with weight supports that can grasp and hold weights, transferring the manipulation task from the operator's hands to the mechanical arms. The operator only needs to control the loader, not directly handle the heavy weights themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The weight loader apparatus performs the heavy lifting and positioning tasks autonomously once controlled. The arms can independently grasp weights, move them to the scale, and place them symmetrically without requiring the operator to physically exert force on the weights themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If weights are placed simultaneously on opposing locations, then the scale remains stable without tipping, but the operator must coordinate and maneuver multiple heavy weights at once

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of the scaleVSAvoidease of weight placement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple weight handling functions into a single integrated apparatus. The loader has multiple arms that can simultaneously grasp and transport multiple weights, merging the separate tasks of picking up, transporting, and placing weights into one coordinated operation performed by the machine rather than requiring manual coordination of multiple heavy objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The arms of the weight loader are designed to be articulatable and movable, allowing dynamic adjustment of position and orientation. This enables the arms to adapt their movement paths and timing to achieve simultaneous placement of weights on opposing scale locations, maintaining stability while easing operator coordination burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If manual weight placement is used, then the operator has direct control, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight placement efficiencyVSAvoidtime for weight placement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The weight loader apparatus enables continuous operation without the interruptions inherent in manual handling. The arms can continuously grasp, transport, and place weights in a streamlined sequence, eliminating the time losses associated with an operator repeatedly bending, reaching, and manually positioning heavy weights. The machine maintains continuous productive action throughout the weight loading process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Facilitates the easy and efficient placement of heavy weights on a pan scale, reducing operator burden and ensuring symmetrical placement without tilting, thereby stabilizing the scale and improving the measurement process.

Implementation Method 1

a lifting apparatus operable to selectively raise and lower the support along the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical lifting: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

The first arm is articulatable in a plane to position the first weight support between a first weight stack and a first weight placement location

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivotal rotation: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS9945715B2Weight loader for moving at least two loads

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Apparatus and method for simultaneously lifting and placing weights. The apparatus includes a support with a first arm and a second arm extending from the support. Weight supports are arranged at distal ends of the arms. The arms are movable to position weights supported by the weight supports. The apparatus also includes a lifting apparatus operable to selectively raise and lower the support. An operator can articulate the arms to storage locations of weights. The operator can then operate the lifting apparatus to raise the support and lift the weights. The operator can then articulate the arms to move the lifted weights to weight placement locations. The operator can then operate the lifting apparatus to lower the support and place the weights on the weight placement locations.