Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for calibration of a load cell.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure.
The conventional apparatus for calibration of a load cell includes an actuator arm supported on a machine structure, and a fixture mounted on a machine bed. The actuator arm is configured to be engaged with the fixture, and is displaced along the axis of the actuator to apply load on a specimen load cell desired to be calibrated. However, the conventional apparatus is unable to maintain a coaxial arrangement of the actuator arm and the fixture. This results in incorrect load being sensed by the specimen load cell. The load cell calibration cannot be relied on further measurements. Moreover, the apparatus is not compatible to be fixed with all types of machine beds. Still further, the conventional apparatus does not support calibration procedure when operated in both tension and compression modes.
Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus for calibration of a load cell, that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as follows:
An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for calibration of a load cell.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for calibration of a load cell that eliminates misalignment problems.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for calibration of a load cell that can be mounted on machine beds having different geometries.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for calibration of a load cell that offers increased accuracy in calibration procedure.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for calibration of a load cell that can be used in tension mode as well as in compression mode.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure discloses an apparatus for calibration of a load cell, the apparatus comprising a first fixture configured to be removably attached to a machine bed, a second fixture having a first end supported on the machine structure and a second end slidably engaged into a recess configured on the first fixture to form a coaxial alignment of the second fixture and the first fixture in an operative condition; and a specimen load cell and a reference load cell configured to be attached to the second end of the second fixture for sensing an incident load applied due to the movement of the second fixture.
In an embodiment, wherein the first fixture includes a fixed cylinder configured to be removably attached to a machine bed, the fixed cylinder having the recess configured thereon for receiving the second end of the second fixture.
In an embodiment, wherein the second fixture includes an arm. An actuator assembly is slidably attached to the arm, and configured to be displaced with respect to the first fixture. A movable cylinder is configured to be attached to the actuator assembly, and configured to be slidably engaged in the recess. The specimen load cell and the reference load cell are connected between the actuator assembly and the movable cylinder.
In an embodiment, the movable cylinder is connected to said specimen load cell and said reference load cell through an adaptor.
In an embodiment, the second fixture includes a locking pin configured to connect the movable cylinder and the fixed cylinder while the movable cylinder is engaged into the recess of the fixed cylinder.
In a preferred embodiment, the second fixture includes the adaptor attached to the reference load cell. The adaptor has standard sizes.
In an embodiment, wherein the first fixture includes a base plate attached to the fixed cylinder to clamp the fixed cylinder to the machine bed.
In a preferred embodiment, the base plate has slots configured thereon to adjust position of the first fixture on the machine bed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
An apparatus for calibration of a load cell, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a front view of the apparatus of the prior art;
Figure 2 shows a side view of the Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the apparatus, in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the Figure 3; and
Figure 5 shows another exploded view of the Figure 4.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10 – fixed cylinder
15 – fixture of the prior art
20 – recess
30 – movable cylinder
32 – locking pin
40 – specimen load cell
50 – reference load cell
60 – adaptor
70 – base plate
85’ – swivel base of prior art
85 – swivel base
80 – actuator
82 – arm
90 – slots
100 – apparatus
100’ – apparatus of the prior art
102 – first end
104 – second end
110 – first fixture
120 – second fixture
115 – machine bed
125 – machine structure
A – axis of apparatus
X-Y – lateral plane
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an”, and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, and “having”, are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be constructed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to”, or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
Referring to figures 3-5, an apparatus 100 for calibration of a load cell will now be described. The apparatus 100 comprises a first fixture 110 and a second fixture 120 with load cells attached to the second fixture 120. The first fixture 110 is configured to be removably attached to a machine bed 115. The second fixture 120 has a first end 102 supported on a machine structure 125 and a second end 104 slidably engageable into a recess 20 configured on the first fixture 110. The first fixture 110 and the second fixture 120 form a coaxial alignment in the direction of axis A of the apparatus 100, in an operative condition. More particularly, the first fixture 110, the second fixture 120 are oriented along the axis A of the apparatus 100, in an operative condition. The loads cells include a specimen load cell 40 and a reference load cell 50 configured to be attached to the second end of the second fixture 120 for sensing an incident load applied as a result of the relative movement of the second fixture 120 with respect to the first fixture 110.
In a preferred embodiment as shown in the figures 3-5, the first fixture 110 includes a fixed cylinder 10 configured to be removably attached to a machine bed 115. The recess 20 of the fixed cylinder 10 is configured for receiving the second end of the second fixture 120. The second fixture 120 includes an arm 82 attached to the machine structure 125 via a swivel base 85. The second fixture 120 includes an actuator assembly 80 slidably attached to the arm 82. The actuator assembly 80 moves with respect to the first fixture 110, a movable cylinder 30 attached to the actuator assembly 80. The movable cylinder 30 is configured to be slidably engaged in the recess 20 of the first cylinder 10. The specimen load cell 40 and the reference load cell 50 are connected between the actuator assembly 80 and the movable cylinder 30. The movable cylinder 30 is connected to the specimen load cell 40 and the reference load cell 50 through an adaptor 60.
The second fixture 120 includes a locking pin 32 configured to connect the movable cylinder 30 and the fixed cylinder 10, while the movable cylinder 30 is engaged into the recess of the fixed cylinder 20. The second fixture 120 includes the adaptor 60 attached to the reference load cell 50. The adaptor 60 has standard sizes for facilitating ease of attachment. The first fixture 110 includes a base plate 70 attached to the fixed cylinder 10 to clamp the fixed cylinder 10 to the machine bed 115. The base plate 70 has slots 80 configured thereon to adjust position of the first fixture 110 on the machine bed 115. In the prior art apparatus 100’ of the figures 1 and 2, it is observed that the reference load cell 50’ is configured to be attached to a fixed block 15’ which suffers from alignment problems. The alignment of the components of the apparatus 100’ do not align along a straight axis, as disclosed in the figures 3-5 of the present invention. Therefore, there is a probability of the specimen load cell 40’ detecting loads that are not purely incidental in a straight line or straight axis. Moreover, a swivel base 85’ provided to support the actuator assembly 80 to the machine structure 125 is needed to be dismantled every instance the apparatus 100’ is attached to a different machine bed 115. The apparatus 100 of the present disclosure overcomes this limitation, as the slots 90 provided on the base plate 70 facilitate in moving and attaching the apparatus 100 at a desired location on the machine bed 115. The swivel base 85 offers a rotational degree of freedom about an axis B. However, due to the rotation of the swivel base 85, the apparatus 100 of the prior art is unable to maintain a vertical orientation of the actuator assembly 80 which is perpendicular to the machine structure 125. In the present disclosure, the engagement of the second fixture 120 into the recess 20 of the first fixture 110 ensures perpendicular alignment of the actuator assembly 80 with respect to the machine structure 125. As a consequence, the entire alignment of the apparatus 100 is oriented in a straight line, i.e. coaxial along the axis A of the apparatus 100. Therefore, any movement of the actuator assembly 80 in a direction other than along the axis A of the apparatus 100 is prevented. Thus, accuracy in calibration of the reference load cell 40 and the specimen load cell 50 is facilitated.
The working of the apparatus 100 will now be explained with reference to figures 3-5. The movable cylinder 30 is driven by the actuator assembly 80, until the second end of the movable cylinder 30 engages into the recess 20 on the fixed cylinder 10. The locking pin 32 is engaged to connect the movable cylinder 30 to the fixed cylinder 10. The provision of the recess 20 facilitates accurate alignment of the movable cylinder 30 and the fixed cylinder 10. This ensures that the application of load on the reference load cell 50 and the specimen load cell 40 takes place in the direction of the axis A of the apparatus 100. Thus, probability of error in measuring incident load on the load cells 40, 50 is decreased. Moreover, calibration of the specimen load cell 40 can be done in tension mode as well as in compression mode with the apparatus 100. Necessity of a separate apparatus for calibrating the specimen load cell 40 in tension and compression is eliminated. In a further step, the actuator assembly 80 is displaced towards the first fixture 110 to perform the calibration in compression mode. In the tension mode, the actuator assembly 80 is displaced away from the first fixture 120 to perform the calibration in tension mode. Moreover, unlike the apparatus 100’ of the prior art, the apparatus 100 of the present disclosure does not allow unnecessary movement of the actuator assembly 80 in a lateral plane X-Y perpendicular to the axis A of the apparatus 100.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, an apparatus for calibration of a load cell, which:
• eliminates alignment problems;
• offers standardization of the apparatus; and
• offers increased accuracy in calibrating the specimen load cell.
The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or group of elements, but not the exclusion of any other element or group of elements.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art housing or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An apparatus (100) for calibration of a load cell, said apparatus (100) comprising:
• a first fixture (110) configured to be removably attached to a machine bed;
• a second fixture (120) having a first end (102) supported on the machine structure and a second end (104) slidably engageable into a recess (20) configured on said first fixture (110) to align said second fixture (120) and said first fixture (110) with an axis (A) of the apparatus (100) in an operative condition; and
• a specimen load cell (40) and a reference load cell (50) configured to be attached to the second end of said second fixture (120) for sensing an incident load applied due to the movement of said second fixture (120).
2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first fixture (110) includes a fixed cylinder (10) configured to be removably attached to a machine bed, said fixed cylinder (10) having a recess (20) configured thereon for receiving said second end of said second fixture (120).
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second fixture (120) includes:
• an arm (82);
• an actuator assembly (80) configured to be slidably attached to the arm (82) of the second fixture (120), and configured to be displaced with respect to said first fixture (110);
• a movable cylinder (30) configured to be attached to said actuator assembly (80), and configured to be slidably engaged in said recess (20); and
• a specimen load cell (40) and a reference load cell (50) connected between said actuator assembly (80) and said movable cylinder (30).
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said movable cylinder (30) is connected to said specimen load cell (40) and said reference load cell (50) through an adaptor (60).
5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second fixture (120) includes a locking pin (90) configured to connect said movable cylinder (30) and said fixed cylinder (10) while said movable cylinder is engaged into the recess (20) of said fixed cylinder (10).
6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said adaptor (60) has standard sizes.
7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first fixture (110) includes a base plate (70) attached to said fixed cylinder (10) to clamp said fixed cylinder (10) to the machine bed.
8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said base plate (70) has slots (80) configured thereon to adjust position of said first fixture (110) on the machine bed.
Dated this 17th day of July, 2023

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K. DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT CHENNAI