Bulky Goods Scale with Automatic Sensor Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scales for bulky goods weighing are mechanically complex and require manual activation of the bulky goods weighing function, which can be easily forgotten, limiting their usability and accuracy due to size constraints and potential for unintentional operation errors.
Innovation Solution
A scale with automatic activation of the bulky goods weighing function using sensors such as photodetectors, light barriers, touch sensors, proximity sensors, and ultrasonic sensors to detect the size and coverage of the display, ensuring reliable operation and preventing unintentional key presses, with integrated display and function keys that act as sensors for size determination and weight measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual activation of bulky goods weighing function is used, then the function can be activated, but it is easily forgotten by the user and requires additional操作步骤
Solution Approach 1:
The scale automatically detects when bulky goods need to be weighed and activates the appropriate weighing function without user intervention. The system serves itself by using sensors to monitor the weighing platform and autonomously switching between standard and bulky goods weighing modes, eliminating the need for manual activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical activation with an automated sensor-based detection system. Optical sensors and weight sensors substitute for the mechanical action of a user pressing buttons or switches, detecting the presence and characteristics of goods to automatically determine the appropriate weighing mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If swing-out or pull-out display units are added for bulky goods weighing, then larger items can be weighed, but the mechanical complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is merged with the weighing platform structure, forming an integrated design where the display is positioned to rotate or swing out as a unified component with the platform. This eliminates separate mechanical assemblies for the display and platform, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the capability to weigh bulky items.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighing platform and display assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the weighing surface and the display mechanism. The same structural component performs dual roles, eliminating the need for separate dedicated display units and reducing mechanical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If function keys are arranged flush next to or in the weighing surface, then the design is compact, but unintentional operation errors occur when goods are placed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses weight sensors to provide feedback about the load on the platform. When the sensor detects that goods are being placed (weight change exceeds a threshold), it automatically deactivates the function keys to prevent accidental presses. This feedback mechanism allows the compact flush-mounted key design while preventing operational errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The functionality of the keys changes dynamically based on the weighing state. The keys are enabled when the platform is empty and disabled when goods are detected. This dynamic control allows the keys to be positioned flush with the platform for compactness while preventing unintentional activation during weighing operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the display is covered by the item to be weighed, then bulky goods can be weighed, but the display becomes unreadable during weighing
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares the display by showing a preview or indicator of the upcoming measurement result before the actual weighing is complete. This preliminary information allows users to know what to expect while the display is temporarily obscured, reducing the loss of information during the weighing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the weighing platform, allowing it to rotate or swing out to a position where it does not conflict with bulky items. This dimensional separation allows both the weighing of large items and the readability of the display to coexist.
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
Enables reliable and accurate weighing of large items without mechanical complexity, ensuring the display remains readable after weighing, preventing errors, and allowing objects much larger than the scale to be weighed, with automatic deactivation and acoustic signaling for user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor contains at least one photodetector
Implementation Method 2
the sensor is designed as a light barrier
Implementation Method 3
the sensor is designed as a proximity sensor, in particular as a capacitive proximity sensor
Implementation Method 4
the sensor is designed as an ultrasonic sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A balance, which avoids the mechanically more complex designs and which can also be reliably used for bulky goods to be weighed – in particular objects that are so large that they cover the display during the weighing operation or so large that they unintentionally actuate function keys of the balance while placing the object onto the weighing platform, is equipped with a bulky goods weighing function, which determines the weight of the bulky goods and displays the determined weight value for a period of time – which can preferably be prespecified – after removing the object from the weighing platform and/or at least temporarily deactivates a function key of the balance.