Dual-Sided Scale with Nested Weighing Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional kitchen scales face limitations due to the sensitivity of load cells, requiring a second, less capable scale for higher resolution, which complicates design, is prone to soiling, and can be overloaded, while dual-plate scales occupy more space and restrict design freedom.
Innovation Solution
A scale design with an additional weighing surface located below the main surface, allowing easy switching between modes by rotating 180°, featuring separate load cells and a display that remains readable in both orientations, and optional wireless communication for power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a drawer with a second fine scale is added to provide higher resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and the scale is more prone to soiling and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate serves dual functions: as the weighing surface for the main scale and as the base supporting the additional weighing surface for the fine scale. This eliminates the need for a separate drawer housing, reducing structural complexity while maintaining both weighing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional weighing surface is positioned on the underside of the support plate, with the fine scale nested within the structure of the main scale. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for a separate drawer housing, reducing structural complexity while maintaining both weighing functions.
2Measurement precision
If two support plates are arranged next to one another to provide different measuring ranges, then measurement precision is improved, but the scale occupies more space and design freedom is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging two support plates side by side in the horizontal plane, the additional weighing surface is positioned vertically below the main weighing surface on the underside of the support plate. This vertical arrangement maintains different measuring ranges while minimizing horizontal footprint.
3Ease of operation
If the additional weighing surface is accessible from the front like a drawer, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of overloading and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing access to the additional weighing surface from the front like a drawer, the scale is designed to be flipped 180 degrees to access the additional weighing surface on the underside. This inversion eliminates the risk of overloading while maintaining accessibility.
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 dual-function scales with improved resolution and measuring range without the need for a separate housing, reducing complexity and risk of damage, while maintaining design flexibility and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The support plate is supported by feet on the housing, with the load cells being interposed and being deflected by the weight resting on the support plate
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a scale comprising a weighing platform (2) supported on a base by load cells (3) and onto which a first load to be weighed can be placed, an additional weighing platform (5) supported on a base by additional load cells (8) and onto which a second load to be weighed can be placed, electronics (9) capable of determining the weight of the load from a measurement signal supplied by the load cells (3) or the additional load cells (8), and a display device (4) for displaying the weight determined by the electronics (9). In known scales, the additional weighing function must be activated by pulling the additional weighing platform (5) out of the housing. This limits the design possibilities of the scale and complicates its operation.The invention avoids these disadvantages by arranging the additional weighing surface (5) below the weighing surface (2) and being able to bear weight in the direction of the weighing surface (2) for weighing the weight resting on the additional weighing surface (5), wherein the display device (4) is designed such that it can be read in a first weighing mode in which the weighing surface (2) is oriented upwards, and in a second weighing mode in which the additional weighing surface (5) is oriented upwards.