Symmetric load cell with mounting effect cancellation
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorThomas H. Johnson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention relates to a load cell symmetrical about a central vertical axis and comprising first and second mounting surfaces, each on the same horizontal plane and configured for attachment to a support structure and to a loading fixture respectively.
Claims40
A load cell symmetrical about a central vertical axis and comprising first and second mounting surfaces, each on the same horizontal plane and configured for attachment to a support structure and to a loading fixture respectively, wherein the first and second mounting surfaces are joined together by four symmetrical flexure elements forming four apertures in the material of the load cell, the load cell and the apertures being symmetrical about the longitudinal central axis of the load cell and also about the transverse midline of the load cell, wherein the load cell has a length, a width and a height, wherein the length is the largest dimension, and wherein the first and second mounting surfaces are at different locations along the length direction.
A load cell assembly comprising a load cell symmetrical about a central vertical axis and comprising first and second mounting surfaces each on the same horizontal plane;
- a plurality of load cell attachment brackets coupled to the load cell at the first and second mounting surfaces, wherein the load cell attachment brackets are configured for attachment to a support structure and to a loading fixture;
- and
- one or more apertures with one or more force sensors mounted one or more parallel beams oriented normal to the horizontal plane within the one or more aperture, wherein the load cell is the only load cell.
A weigh scale comprising a load cell that is symmetrical about a central vertical axis and comprising first and second mounting surfaces, each on the same horizontal plane and configured for attachment to a support structure and to a loading fixture respectively, the load cell being coupled to a load cell attachment bracket assembly comprising a pair of load cell attachment brackets each having mounting elements, wherein each of the load cell attachment brackets extend, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the load cell and with respect to a direction normal to the longitudinal direction of the load cell, beyond the outer periphery of the load cell, wherein the load cell has a length, a width and a height, wherein the length is the largest dimension, and wherein the first and second mounting surfaces are at different locations along the length direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.