Dual-Platform Traveler Scale Segmentation for Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing travel scales are often too small or too large, heavy, and lack consistent footing, balance, and reliable ON/OFF control, leading to inaccurate and inconsistent weight measurements, and are not conveniently connected to personal electronics for tracking.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, electronically connected dual-platform scale system with strain gauge load cells and wireless connectivity, compatible with various devices for accurate weight tracking, designed for comfortable balance and easy portability, featuring a rechargeable power source and optional smartphone integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the scale footprint is made smaller for portability, then the scale becomes more portable and easier to carry, but the user loses balance and cannot stand safely
Solution Approach 1:
The scale is divided into two separate platforms (one for each foot) that can be positioned apart from each other. This segmentation allows each platform to be small and lightweight for portability, while the separated positioning provides a wider base of support for the user, preventing balance loss during weighing.
2Reliability
If the scale footprint is made larger for stability, then the user can stand safely and maintain balance, but the scale becomes too heavy and bulky for convenient travel
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single large platform, the scale uses two separate smaller platforms positioned apart. This segmentation achieves the stability of a larger footprint (wider base) while maintaining the portability advantage of smaller individual components that are lighter and more compact for travel.
3Weight of moving object
If the scale is made compact for travel efficiency, then the scale is lighter and smaller for convenient travel, but the footing becomes inconsistent for varying foot sizes making it difficult to maintain balance
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented dual-platform design accommodates various foot sizes by providing separate platforms that can be positioned to suit different users. Each platform is sized appropriately for a single foot, and the distance between platforms can be adjusted or designed to work with different foot lengths, ensuring consistent footing and balance maintenance across users while keeping the overall scale compact.
4Ease of operation
If automatic ON/OFF cycling is enabled for convenience, then the scale automatically activates when stepped on, but the battery drains quickly when packed in a suitcase
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic ON/OFF function is extracted or disabled during the packing state. The scale includes a mechanism to detect whether it is in use or stored, and the automatic activation feature is only enabled during actual weighing operations. When packed in a suitcase, the scale remains in a low-power or off state, preventing battery drainage while maintaining the convenience of automatic activation during intended use.
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
Provides a reliable, accurate, and portable weight measurement solution that maintains user balance and consistency, allowing seamless tracking and connectivity with personal devices, addressing the limitations of prior art travel scales.
Implementation Method 1
Each platform, 12 and 13, has four pegs 14 (which are strain gauge load cells that are known in the art) that are used to generate electrical signals as the platforms are depressed
Data Source
AI summary
A compact and lightweight electronic traveler's scale for determining and tracking a person's weight while away from home.