Integrated Scale Base With Convex Weigh Surface for Oversized Produce
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current point-of-sale (POS) systems with integrated scales struggle to effectively capture the weight of oversized produce items, often resulting in 'shrinkage loss' due to inadequate weighing surface design and debris accumulation, which can lead to system malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A POS-based system with an integrated electronic weigh scale and a unique system housing featuring a convex weigh surface design, allowing for flexible produce placement and debris collection, ensuring all housing surfaces are utilized during weight capture while maintaining system cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flat weigh platter is used, then the structure is simple, but oversized produce items cannot be properly positioned and weight capture is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a convex curved surface design to the weigh platter instead of a flat surface. The convex shape allows oversized produce items to be properly positioned and contained on the weighing surface, ensuring complete weight capture while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If the vertical window and platter are connected as one assembly, then oversized produce can be positioned against the window, but debris accumulates between the platter and housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the debris accumulation problem by designing the convex weigh surface to direct debris away from the load cell area. The curved surface geometry causes debris to naturally roll off or be directed to safe zones, preventing accumulation between the platter and housing that would cause system malfunctions.
3Measurement precision
If a larger weighing surface is provided, then oversized produce can be weighed, but the system occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a flat two-dimensional weigh surface to a three-dimensional convex surface. This dimensional change allows the system to accommodate oversized produce items vertically and radially without increasing the horizontal footprint, effectively utilizing space in multiple dimensions.
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 system provides enhanced flexibility and accuracy in weighing oversized produce items, reducing shrinkage loss and minimizing debris-related malfunctions by allowing produce to be weighed on a convex surface and ensuring all surfaces are used effectively, while debris is collected below the system.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic weigh scale subsystem including a base portion having a plurality of load cells for (i) supporting a support frame and a system housing supported thereon, (ii) measuring the weight of produce items supported on the system housing
Data Source
AI summary
A symbol-reading system includes a system housing having a horizontal housing portion and a vertical housing portion, the vertical housing portion being configured substantially orthogonal to the horizontal housing portion. The symbol-reading system also includes a symbol reading subsystem, disposed in the system housing, for reading symbols on objects and producing data representative of the read symbols. Additionally, the symbol-reading system includes a weigh scale subsystem including at least one load cell that supports the entirety of the system housing, the weigh scale subsystem being configured for measuring the weight of objects on the system housing and producing data representative of measured weights.