Combination Bath Mat and Weight Scale with Integrated Comfort Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weight scales do not provide comfort during prolonged use and occupy additional space in bathrooms, lacking the functionality of an anti-fatigue mat and efficient water absorption.
Innovation Solution
A combination weight scale and anti-fatigue comfort mat with a flexible top cover made of absorbent material, incorporating a strain gauge mechanism, illuminated display, and a memory-foam pad for comfort, which also includes a high-friction web to secure the mat in place, allowing for easy cleaning and reduced floor space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional weight scale is used, then weight measurement function is provided, but it occupies additional bathroom floor space and does not provide comfort during prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a weight scale with an anti-fatigue bath mat into a single integrated device. The mat layer is positioned over the scale platform, allowing the same surface to serve both as a comfortable standing area and as a weight measurement platform. This merging eliminates the need for separate floor space for both items.
Solution Approach 2:
The combined device performs multiple functions: it provides anti-fatigue comfort during prolonged standing, absorbs water like a traditional bath mat, and simultaneously measures weight. The illuminated display and strain gauge mechanism enable weight measurement functionality within the multi-functional device.
2Loss of information
If a conventional weight scale with illuminated display is used, then weight measurement and display function is provided, but battery life is consumed continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminated display operates periodically rather than continuously. The system includes a timer that activates the display for a predetermined duration (e.g., 5-10 seconds) after weight measurement, then deactivates it. This periodic operation significantly reduces battery consumption while still providing adequate display visibility for users to read their weight measurements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible top cover with absorbent material is added, then water absorption and aesthetic appeal are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The top cover is constructed as a composite structure combining multiple materials: an absorbent outer layer (such as terry cloth or microfiber) for water absorption, a foam pad layer (such as memory foam) for comfort and structural support, and a non-slip bottom layer for securing to the scale. This composite construction integrates multiple functions within a single removable component.
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
The solution provides a comfortable and efficient weighing experience by combining the functions of a weight scale and anti-fatigue mat, reducing floor space and offering aesthetic appeal, while conserving battery life by deactivating the display after a preset time.
Implementation Method 1
a strain gauge mechanism, and an illuminated display on the top side of the base. The base has an internal volume sufficient to contain the circuit and associated components. Such a weight scale measures the weight of an object placed on the top side of the base
Implementation Method 2
The top cover includes an absorbent web of material through which the illuminated display is at least partially visible. Such an absorbent web may be made with an absorbent textile material such as woven cotton, terry fabric, flannel fabric
Implementation Method 3
The foam pad includes apertures cooperative with the illuminated display such that light is transmitted through the apertures from the illuminated display through the absorbent web
Implementation Method 4
The high-friction web is non-opaque and is adapted to hold the flexible top cover in place on the weight scale due to increased friction between the high-friction web and the top side of the base
Data Source
AI summary
A combination weight scale and bath mat for use by a person on a support surface includes a weight scale having a base with a top side, a bottom side, at least one peripheral edge, and three or more feet fixed with the bottom side of the base and adapted to hold the base above the support surface. A circuit includes a power source, a strain gauge mechanism, and an illuminated display on the top side of the base. A flexible top cover fits over the top side of the base and includes an absorbent web of material through which the illuminated display is at least partially visible. The flexible top cover further includes a foam pad with apertures cooperative with the illuminated display such that light is transmitted through the apertures from the illuminated display through the absorbent web.