v1.0.0 Design Guide

Logistics Automatic Weighing Solution
Overall Design Guide

Providing standardized automatic weighing system design, selection, and implementation specifications for logistics parks, factories, highway toll stations, and overload inspection stations. Covering full lifecycle management from system architecture to construction acceptance.

System Overview

The logistics automatic weighing system is an integrated solution combining hardware and software, aimed at automating vehicle cargo weighing and data management. The system integrates weighing sensors, weighing instruments, scale structures, and data transmission devices to convert physical "weight data" into manageable digital information.

Static Weighing

Suitable for logistics parks, factories, etc., with high precision measurement (error ≤0.1% FS)

Dynamic Weighing

Suitable for highway toll stations, overload inspection stations, with fast response (≤0.5 seconds)

Axle Load Weighing

Used for bridge weight limits or road management, calculating total weight by summing axle weights

Whole Vehicle Weighing

Direct measurement of total vehicle weight, simple operation, suitable for logistics parks or parking lots

System Architecture

The system adopts a layered architecture design to ensure high availability and scalability:

L1 Perception and Execution Layer

Front-end devices such as weighing sensors, scale structures, and weighing instruments

L2 Edge Computing Layer

On-site servers/gateways responsible for offline verification and device control

L3 Cloud Service Layer

Core business logic, data management, and report analysis

Main Functions

Automatic Weighing

Supports static/dynamic weighing, automatically collects vehicle weight data

Real-time Monitoring

Millisecond-level device status reporting, automatic fault alarms

Data Management

Supports real-time data transmission, printing, cloud storage, and system integration

Report Analysis

Generates weighing reports, statistical analysis, assists operational decision-making

Chapter Navigation

For convenient and quick navigation, chapter names are displayed as buttons. Below are the chapter link buttons:

System Composition and Working Principle

In-depth analysis of the hardware and software architecture, core component functions, and data flow logic of the logistics automatic weighing system

System Architecture

The system adopts a layered architecture design, from bottom to top: Perception and Execution Layer (hardware), Edge Computing Layer (on-site server/gateway), Cloud Service Layer (core business), and Application Presentation Layer (management terminal).

Application Layer
Weighing Management Software
Report Analysis System
Mobile App
Large Screen Display
Service Layer
Data Processing Service
Device Management Service
API Gateway
Message Queue
Edge Layer
Edge Gateway
Local Cache
Protocol Conversion
Device Layer
Weighing Sensors
Weighing Instruments
Scale Structure
Printer

Components and Functions

Scale Structure

Scale Structure

Made of Q235B/Q345B steel, with hot-dip galvanizing or epoxy coating for corrosion protection. Panel thickness ≥10mm, U-beam thickness 3-8mm. Modular design facilitates transportation and installation.

Weighing Sensor

Weighing Sensor

Strain gauge sensors suitable for static weighing with 0.01% FS accuracy; piezoelectric sensors suitable for dynamic weighing with millisecond response. Rated load should be 120%-150% of actual maximum load.

Weighing Instrument

Weighing Instrument

Resolution at least 0.1 ton display accuracy. Interfaces: RS-485, Ethernet, 4G wireless transmission. Protection level IP65 or higher.

Weighing Management Software

Weighing Management Software

Supports local deployment or cloud platform (cloud platform can manage multiple truck scales). Provides real-time data collection, report generation, historical query, and other functions.

Ticket Management

Ticket Management System

Automatically generates weighing tickets, supports custom templates. Seamlessly integrates with ERP, WMS, and other logistics management systems.

Data Transmission Module

RS-485 conversion module for short-distance transmission (<1200 meters), supports up to 32 devices connected. For long distances, Ethernet or 4G wireless transmission can be used.

Printing Equipment

Thermal printers suitable for fast printing and high-volume scenarios; dot matrix printers suitable for high-quality report printing. Interfaces must match data transmission subsystem.

Working Principle

The standard weighing process (Happy Path) is as follows:

1
Vehicle enters the scale platform
2
Sensor collects weight
3
Instrument processes signal
4
Data uploaded to system
5
Print weighing ticket

Working Principle Explanation

When the vehicle drives onto the scale platform, the weighing sensor converts mechanical force into electrical signals. The weighing instrument amplifies, filters, and A/D converts the signal, then transmits data to the management software via RS-485 or Ethernet. The software processes, stores data, generates reports, and can trigger the printer to output weighing tickets.

Design Essentials

System design principles, key consideration dimensions, and core selection logic

Design Principles and Basis

Function Requirement Matching Principle

Design the system based on weighing type (static/dynamic/axle load/whole vehicle), weighing range and accuracy requirements, and data management needs.

Technical Parameter Selection Principle

Match sensor type and capacity, instrument functions and protection level, scale materials and structural design to actual working conditions.

Simplified Maintenance Principle

Modular design facilitates replacement of damaged parts, plug-and-play sensor design, supports remote diagnosis and firmware updates.

Scalability and Compatibility Principle

Reserve 20% redundant interfaces (RS-485 channels, I/O ports), support common protocols such as Modbus, TCP/IP.

Importance and Suggestions of Design Essentials

Good system design is the foundation of project success. Fully considering each essential point during the design phase can effectively reduce implementation risks, minimize rework costs, and improve system reliability and user satisfaction.

Design Suggestions

It is recommended to conduct thorough on-site surveys during the design phase to understand actual working conditions (environmental temperature and humidity, electromagnetic interference, foundation bearing capacity, etc.) and communicate fully with users about business requirements to ensure feasibility and applicability of the design solution.

Core Design/Selection Logic

The core design logic of this solution follows the principles of "demand-driven, performance-first, cost-controllable":

Key Consideration Dimensions

Dimension Key Indicators Design Suggestions
Performance and Experience Weighing accuracy, response speed, ease of operation Static weighing error ≤0.1% FS, dynamic weighing error ≤0.5% FS, response time ≤0.5 seconds
Stability/Reliability MTBF, failure rate, environmental adaptability MTBF ≥50000 hours, operating temperature -10°C~40°C, humidity 40%-60%
Maintainability/Replaceability Modularity, ease of maintenance Modular design, plug-and-play sensors, support remote diagnosis
Compatibility/Scalability Interface standards, protocol support, expansion capability Support Modbus/TCP-IP protocols, reserve 20% redundant interfaces
Lifecycle Cost (LCC) Procurement cost, operation and maintenance cost, replacement cost Consider total cost of ownership over 10-year usage cycle
Energy Consumption/Environmental Protection Power consumption, material environmental compliance Use low-power devices, materials comply with RoHS requirements

Application Scenarios

Scope of application and typical sub-scenario analysis of logistics automatic weighing systems

Scope of Application

The logistics automatic weighing system is widely used in various scenarios requiring vehicle or cargo weight measurement, mainly including: logistics parks, factories, ports and docks, highway toll stations, overload inspection stations, mining quarries, waste treatment plants, agricultural product collection stations, etc.

Typical Sub-Scenarios

Logistics Park

Scenario 1: Logistics Park

Business Characteristics: High traffic volume, requires fast weighing and ticket printing
Environmental Constraints: Outdoor environment, needs rain and dust protection
Key Risks: Queue congestion during peak hours
Design Focus: High throughput, high automation

Factory Enterprise

Scenario 2: Factory Enterprise

Business Characteristics: Raw material inbound and finished product outbound weighing
Environmental Constraints: Possible dust and corrosive gases
Key Risks: Measurement disputes
Design Focus: High precision, anti-cheating

Highway

Scenario 3: Highway Toll Station

Business Characteristics: Dynamic weighing, non-stop measurement
Environmental Constraints: All-weather operation, high vehicle speed
Key Risks: Insufficient dynamic accuracy
Design Focus: Fast response, impact resistance

Overload Inspection Station

Scenario 4: Overload Inspection Station

Business Characteristics: Law enforcement inspection, requires high credibility
Environmental Constraints: Roadside environment, requires protective facilities
Key Risks: Disputes over inspection results
Design Focus: Legal metrology certification

Port Dock

Scenario 5: Port Dock

Business Characteristics: Container weighing, large tonnage
Environmental Constraints: Salt spray corrosion, humidity
Key Risks: Equipment corrosion failure
Design Focus: Corrosion resistance, large range

Mining Quarry

Scenario 6: Mining Quarry

Business Characteristics: Ore transport weighing, heavy-duty vehicles
Environmental Constraints: High dust, strong vibration
Key Risks: Sensor damage
Design Focus: Impact resistance, dustproof

Warehouse Logistics

Scenario 7: Warehouse Logistics Center

Business Characteristics: Cargo sorting weighing, integrated with WMS
Environmental Constraints: Indoor environment, limited space
Key Risks: System integration issues
Design Focus: Interface compatibility, compact design

Express Sorting

Scenario 8: Express Sorting Center

Business Characteristics: Fast weighing of small items, high frequency
Environmental Constraints: Automated assembly line
Key Risks: Weighing speed bottleneck
Design Focus: High-speed dynamic weighing

Scenario Selection Considerations

Different application scenarios have significant differences in system requirements. When designing solutions, it is necessary to fully understand scenario characteristics and select appropriate equipment configurations and technical solutions. Environmental factors (temperature, humidity, dust, corrosion, etc.) have important impacts on equipment selection.

Solution Selection

Technical route analysis, solution comparison, and product selection guide

Solution Comparison

Solution Type Applicable Scenarios Advantages Disadvantages
Static Weighing Solution Logistics parks, factories High accuracy (≤0.1% FS), good stability Requires vehicle stop, lower efficiency
Dynamic Weighing Solution Highway toll stations, inspection stations Weighing without stopping, high efficiency Relatively lower accuracy (≤0.5% FS)
Axle Load Weighing Solution Bridge weight limits, road management Detects axle load distribution, overload identification Complex equipment, higher cost
Portable Weighing Solution Temporary inspection, mobile law enforcement Flexible and portable, quick deployment Limited range, average accuracy

Technical Route Analysis and Selection Basis

Sensor Technical Routes

Sensor Type Working Principle Accuracy Response Speed Applicable Scenarios
Strain Gauge Sensor Electrical resistance strain effect 0.01% FS Medium Static Weighing
Piezoelectric Sensor Piezoelectric effect 0.1% FS Millisecond level Dynamic Weighing
Capacitive Sensor Capacitance change 0.05% FS Fast High-precision scenarios

Technical Indicator Thresholds and Recommended Ranges for Product Selection

Weighing Sensor Technical Indicators

Indicator Name Recommended Range/Level Impact on System Acceptance/Test Method
Rated Capacity 120%-150% of actual maximum load Too small causes damage, too large affects accuracy Standard weight loading test
Total Error ≤0.02% FS (static) Directly affects weighing accuracy Standard weight calibration
Sensitivity 2.0±0.1 mV/V Affects signal output strength Instrument measurement
Protection Level ≥IP67 Affects environmental adaptability Protection level test
Operating Temperature -30°C ~ +70°C Affects environmental applicability Temperature cycling test

Weighing Instrument Technical Indicators

Indicator Name Recommended Range/Level Impact on System Acceptance/Test Method
Display Resolution ≥1/30000 Affects display accuracy Function test
A/D Conversion Rate ≥10 times/second Affects dynamic response Instrument measurement
Communication Interface RS-485/Ethernet/4G Affects data transmission method Interface test
Protection Level ≥IP65 Affects environmental adaptability Protection level test

Scale Structure Technical Indicators

Indicator Name Recommended Range/Level Impact on System Acceptance/Test Method
Steel Grade Q235B/Q345B Affects structural strength Material certification inspection
Panel Thickness ≥10mm Affects load capacity Dimension measurement
U-beam Thickness 3-8mm Affects structural stiffness Dimension measurement
Corrosion Protection Hot-dip galvanizing/Epoxy coating Affects service life Coating thickness measurement
Overload Protection 1.5 times rated load Affects safety Overload test

Solution Design

Typical interface introduction, device connection and wiring logic explanation

Typical Interface Introduction

Interface Type Transmission Distance Transmission Rate Applicable Scenarios
RS-485 ≤1200 meters 9600-115200 bps Short distance, multi-device connection
Ethernet ≤100 meters (single segment) 10/100/1000 Mbps High-speed data transmission
4G Wireless Unlimited ≤100 Mbps Remote transmission, mobile scenarios
USB ≤5 meters ≤480 Mbps Local device connection

Device Connection and Interface Design

Typical System Connection Topology

Management Layer
Weighing Management Software
Database Server
Network Layer
Ethernet Switch
4G Router
Control Layer
Weighing Instrument
Industrial PC
Printer
Perception Layer
Weighing Sensors × N
Junction Box

Typical Wiring and Interface Logic Explanation

Sensor Wiring Instructions

Signal Cable: Power Cable YJLY-0.6/1kV-2/1.5mm²
Ground Cable: Power Cable VLV-0.6/1kV-1/4mm²
Sensor signal cables should be laid separately from power cables to avoid electromagnetic interference. Shielded cables are recommended, with the shield grounded at one end.

Sensor → Junction Box

Multiple sensor signals are paralleled through the junction box for signal aggregation and adjustment. The junction box should have waterproof and dustproof functions (IP65 or above).

Junction Box → Instrument

Use RS-485 or analog signal transmission. RS-485 transmission distance can reach 1200 meters, supporting multiple instruments cascading.

Instrument → Host Computer

Connected via Ethernet or RS-485. Ethernet is suitable for high-speed data transmission and remote access, RS-485 is suitable for simple scenarios.

Host Computer → Printer

Connected via USB or Ethernet. Network printers are recommended for multi-terminal sharing.

Risk Assessment

Risk identification, assessment criteria, and response strategies

Risk Identification

Technical Risks

Risks related to technical implementation, system design, and technology selection. Including: sensor accuracy not meeting standards, software compatibility issues, communication protocol mismatches, etc.

Operational Risks

Risks encountered during system use or maintenance. Including: insufficient operator training, untimely maintenance, misoperation, etc.

Environmental Risks

Risks related to environmental factors. Including: temperature exceeding limits, high humidity, electromagnetic interference, dust corrosion, etc.

Legal and Compliance Risks

Risks involving non-compliance with laws and regulations. Including: measuring instruments not verified, data storage not meeting regulations, etc.

Supply Chain Risks

Risks from suppliers, material supply, external partners. Including: equipment delivery delays, spare parts shortages, supplier bankruptcy, etc.

Safety Risks

Potential risks in network security, personal safety, data security, etc. Such as system intrusion, data leakage, equipment causing injury, etc.

Risk Assessment Criteria

Risk Level
Probability
Impact
Severity
High Risk
High (>60%)
Severe
Requires Immediate Action
Medium Risk
Medium (30-60%)
Considerable
Requires Contingency Plan
Low Risk
Low (<30%)
Minor
Acceptable with Monitoring

Risk Response Strategies

Strategy Type Description Applicable Scenarios
Avoidance Avoid risk occurrence by changing design, process, or workflow High probability, high impact risks
Mitigation Take preventive measures to reduce risk probability or impact Medium risks
Transfer Transfer risk to third parties (e.g., insurance, outsourcing) External risks difficult to control
Acceptance Accept risk under cost or other constraints, but have contingency plans Low probability, low impact risks

Emergency Plans and Response Measures

Emergency Response

Take measures promptly after risk occurrence to reduce losses. Establish 24-hour duty system to ensure timely fault response.

Risk Monitoring and Management

Regularly assess and monitor various risks in the project to ensure timely detection and handling of potential issues. Monthly risk assessment meetings are recommended.

Responsibility Allocation

Assign responsible persons for each risk to ensure timely response and implementation of plans. Clarify risk management responsibilities for each position.

Spare Parts Inventory

Reserve a certain quantity of spare parts for key equipment (sensors, instruments) to ensure quick replacement in case of failure.

Supporting Systems

System supporting requirements, cross-disciplinary interface requirements, and integration solutions

System Supporting Requirements

The normal operation of the logistics automatic weighing system requires support from multiple supporting systems, including power supply system, network communication system, environmental control system, etc. The design quality of these supporting systems directly affects the stability and reliability of the main system.

Cross-disciplinary Interface Requirements and Integration

Key Points for Cross-disciplinary Coordination

The implementation of the weighing system involves multiple disciplines such as civil engineering, electrical, network, and software. Interface requirements for each discipline need to be clarified at the project initiation to ensure smooth system integration.

Supporting Systems Introduction

UPS System

Provides uninterruptible power protection for key equipment. It is recommended to configure 15-30 minutes backup time to ensure data safety and normal shutdown during power outages.

Power Distribution System

Provides stable power supply. Voltage fluctuation range should be controlled within ±10% of rated voltage (198-242V for 220V equipment).

Lightning Protection and Grounding System

Protects equipment from lightning damage. Ground resistance should be ≤4Ω, and surge protectors should be installed on signal lines.

Air Conditioning System

Controls temperature and humidity in equipment rooms. Operating temperature -10°C~40°C, relative humidity 40%-60%.

Fire Protection System

Gas fire extinguishing systems should be installed in equipment rooms to avoid water damage. Smoke detectors should be linked with the fire alarm system.

Structured Cabling

Standardized cabling system ensures signal transmission quality. Separate strong and weak currents, use shielded cables for signal lines.

Interface List

Interface ID Interface Name Interface Type Responsible Party Remarks
IF-001 Power Interface AC 220V/50Hz Electrical Discipline With Grounding
IF-002 Network Interface RJ45 Ethernet Network Discipline Gigabit Network
IF-003 Foundation Embedment Concrete Foundation Civil Engineering Construct as per drawings
IF-004 Drainage Interface DN100 Drain Pipe Water Supply and Drainage Scale Pit Drainage
IF-005 Data Interface API/Database Software Discipline Integration with ERP/WMS

Tools and Accessories

Accessory list, installation tools, and accessory list

Accessory List

No. Accessory Name Specification/Model Quantity Purpose
1 Weighing Sensor Selected according to range As per design Weight detection
2 Weighing Instrument Digital instrument 1 unit per weighing point Signal processing and display
3 Junction Box 4-8 channels 1 per scale platform Signal aggregation
4 Printer Thermal/Dot matrix 1 unit per weighing point Ticket printing
5 Industrial PC Industrial-grade PC 1 unit per weighing point Data processing

Installation Tools

Level

Used for checking the levelness during scale platform installation to ensure flat installation. Accuracy requirement: 0.02mm/m.

Multimeter

Used for electrical circuit testing and sensor signal measurement. Digital multimeter with accuracy ≥0.5% is recommended.

Network Tester

Used for network cable testing and continuity checking. Supports RJ45 interface testing.

Torque Wrench

Used for tightening sensor installation bolts, ensuring torque meets requirements. Range: 10-100N·m.

Cable Wiring Tools

Used for cable laying and conduit work. Includes wire pullers, cable cutters, etc.

Laser Rangefinder

Used for installation positioning and dimension measurement. Measurement range: 0.05-100m, accuracy ±1.5mm.

Accessory List

No. Accessory Name Specification/Model Purpose
1 Signal Cable YJLY-0.6/1kV-2/1.5mm² Sensor signal transmission
2 Ground Cable VLV-0.6/1kV-1/4mm² Equipment grounding protection
3 Network Cable CAT6 Shielded Cable Data communication
4 Wire Duct/Conduit PVC/Galvanized Steel Pipe Cable protection
5 Waterproof Connector IP67 Waterproof Rating Outdoor wiring protection
6 Cable Ties/Clamps Nylon Cable Ties Cable fixing

Quality Control

Product quality differentiation, potential issues, and quality control measures

Product Quality Differentiation

Quality Dimension High-Quality Product Features Low-Quality Product Features
Network Security Supports encrypted communication, access control, security audit No encryption, default passwords, no logs
Chip Processing Capability Industrial-grade chips, high-speed A/D conversion, good stability Consumer-grade chips, slow conversion speed, prone to crashes
Hardware Materials High-quality stainless steel, high-precision strain gauges Ordinary steel, low-precision strain gauges
Craftsmanship Precision machining, strict sealing, solid welding Rough machining, poor sealing, weak welds
Protection Level IP67/IP68, corrosion-resistant treatment Below IP54, prone to rust

Potential Issues and Risks of Poor Quality

Quality Risk Warning

Using low-quality products may cause serious problems such as weighing accuracy not meeting standards, frequent equipment failures, increased maintenance costs, safety hazards, and measurement disputes.

Accuracy Drift

Low-quality sensors have poor temperature compensation, causing severe accuracy drift with environmental changes, leading to inaccurate weighing data.

Equipment Failure

Poor quality components have short lifespan and high failure rates, affecting system availability and business continuity.

Safety Hazards

Insufficient protection level leads to electric leakage risks; network security vulnerabilities may be exploited for data tampering.

Maintenance Costs

Frequent repairs and replacements increase operation and maintenance costs, affecting return on investment.

Quality Control Measures and Recommended Practices

Calculation Tools

System capacity, link redundancy, network performance, and power demand calculations

Sensor Quantity Calculation

🧮 Sensor Quantity Calculator

System Capacity Calculation

📊 System Capacity Calculator

Network Bandwidth Calculation

🌐 Network Bandwidth Calculator

Power Demand Calculation

Power Demand Calculator

Weighing Accuracy Verification Calculation

📏 Weighing Accuracy Verification Calculator

Installation and Commissioning

Pre-installation requirements, construction specifications, and commissioning methods

Pre-installation Requirements

Site Survey Considerations

Site Levelness

The installation site needs to be sufficiently level. Uneven ground causes uneven force on the scale platform when vehicles weigh, affecting weighing accuracy.

Foundation Bearing Capacity

The foundation should have sufficient bearing capacity. A 200-ton truck scale requires the foundation to support the vehicle, cargo, and scale self-weight. Insufficient bearing capacity leads to foundation settlement.

Drainage Design

The foundation should have good drainage design to avoid water accumulation damaging the scale and foundation. The scale pit should have drainage ditches and sumps.

Power Supply Conditions

Voltage fluctuation range should be within ±10% of rated voltage. For 220V equipment, voltage should be between 198-242V. UPS configuration is recommended.

Risk Points

Installation Risk Tips

1. Poor foundation construction quality causing later settlement
2. Inaccurate sensor installation position affecting accuracy
3. Non-standard cable laying causing signal interference
4. Poor grounding causing equipment damage or safety hazards

Installation Requirements

Construction Specifications

Construction Item Specification Requirements Acceptance Criteria
Foundation Pouring C30 concrete, curing ≥28 days Strength test passed
Scale Platform Installation Levelness ≤3mm/m Leveling instrument inspection
Sensor Installation Verticality ≤1mm Plumb line inspection
Cable Laying Strong and weak currents separated by ≥300mm On-site inspection
Grounding Construction Ground resistance ≤4Ω Ground resistance test

Commissioning Methods and Precautions

Step 1: Appearance Inspection

Check if equipment appearance is intact, wiring is firm, and labels are clear.

Step 2: Power-on Test

After powering on, check if equipment starts normally, display is normal, and no abnormal alarms.

Step 3: Zero Calibration

Perform zero calibration in empty scale state to ensure display is zero.

Step 4: Range Calibration

Use standard weights for range calibration and adjust gain parameters.

Step 5: Accuracy Verification

Verify weighing accuracy using standard weights of different masses and record error data.

Step 6: Functional Test

Test if data transmission, printing, storage, and other functions work properly.

Safety and Prevention

Network Security

Enable access control and encrypted communication, regularly update passwords, and close unnecessary ports and services.

Personal Safety

Set warning signs during construction, power off for live work, and wear safety belts for high-altitude work.

Equipment Safety

Install lightning protection facilities, configure surge protectors, and ensure reliable grounding of equipment enclosures.

Data Security

Regularly back up data, set access permissions, and record operation logs.

Acceptance and Maintenance

Acceptance criteria, test items, and operation & maintenance requirements

Acceptance Criteria and Test Items

Test Item Test Method Acceptance Criteria
Weighing Accuracy Standard weight loading test Static error ≤0.1% FS
Repeatability Multiple weighings of the same weight Repeatability error ≤0.05% FS
Off-center Error Weights placed at different positions Off-center error ≤0.1% FS
Data Transmission Communication test 100% data transmission accuracy
Printing Function Printing test Complete and clear print content
Software Function Function test All functions operate normally

Operation and Maintenance Requirements

Daily Maintenance

Periodic Maintenance

Maintenance Item Maintenance Cycle Maintenance Content
Accuracy Calibration Quarterly Calibrate using standard weights and record calibration data
Sensor Inspection Biannually Inspect sensor appearance, wiring, and signal output
Scale Structure Inspection Annually Inspect scale structure, corrosion protection layer, and limit devices
Software Update As needed Update software versions and fix known issues
Metrology Verification Annually Mandatory verification by metrology department

Version Records and Revision Notes

Version Date Revision Content Prepared By
v1.0.0 2026-01-04 Initial version release Solution Mall

Document Explanation

This design guide provides a reference for the overall design of logistics automatic weighing systems. Actual project implementation should be adjusted according to specific scenarios and requirements. For questions, please contact the Solution Mall technical support team.