Weld-Free Metal Container Frame for Precision Weighing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal container frames for scales, particularly those used in foodstuff applications, face challenges such as high production costs, hygiene issues due to welding, heat distortion, and the risk of contamination from welding cavities, which are exacerbated by the need for precise laser welding and extensive setup efforts.
Innovation Solution
A metal container frame produced without welding connections using a precision casting method, made from ductile materials like stainless steel, with a duct-shaped section and surface structuring on the inner side to prevent product adherence, and integral flap fastening and suspension devices for enhanced stability and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If laser welding is used to join sheet metal parts, then the frame can be assembled with high precision, but production costs increase significantly and hygiene issues arise from welding cavities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate sheet metal parts into a single integrated 3D-printed frame structure. This eliminates the need for welding connections while maintaining structural integrity, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and production cost by removing the expensive laser welding process entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical welding system with an additive manufacturing process. Instead of using laser welding to join parts, the frame is built layer-by-layer using 3D printing technology, which eliminates the harmful effects of welding while maintaining structural precision and reducing production costs.
2Manufacturing precision
If laser welding is used to join sheet metal parts, then the frame can be assembled with high precision, but hygiene issues arise from welding cavities where contaminants can accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple parts into a single 3D-printed structure, the patent eliminates welding cavities and seams where contaminants could accumulate. The seamless monolithic structure prevents dirt and cleaning agents from trapping in joints, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the welding process with additive manufacturing, which creates a continuous material structure without seams or cavities. This eliminates the hygiene problems associated with welding joints while maintaining the structural precision needed for scale applications.
3Strength
If welding is used to attach suspension devices and flaps to the frame, then structural stability is achieved, but heat distortion occurs and additional welding connections create more contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frame structure with suspension devices and flap attachments into a single integrated 3D-printed component. This eliminates the need for additional welding connections, thereby maintaining structural stability while avoiding heat distortion and contamination risks associated with welding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces welding-based attachment methods with additive manufacturing integration. Suspension devices and flaps are built as integral parts of the frame structure, eliminating heat-affected zones and welding cavities that cause distortion and contamination while preserving structural strength.
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 approach reduces production costs, minimizes contamination risks, and enhances the accuracy and speed of weighing processes by eliminating welding-related issues and improving the frame's natural frequency for better dynamic value detection.
Implementation Method 1
a precision casting method
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to containers, in particular used as storage or weighing containers for combination scales. A container according to the invention includes a frame. The frame is produced from a metal material, and the frame has no welding connections. By using a casting method, cost-effective production, but nevertheless hygienically suitable design, is possible.