Electronic Scale With Shifted High-Sensitivity Infant Weighing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic scales and processors for weight change management lack improved usability, objectivity in weight information provision, and effective communication, particularly in displaying fine weight differences and covering a wide dynamic range for both normal and high sensitivity measurement regions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic scale with a weight sensor capable of operating in both normal and high sensitivity regions, along with a processor that calculates and displays weight differences using finer scale intervals, and communicates weight information to external processors like mobile phones for comparative growth chart display, ensuring objective and subjective data integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single scale interval is used for displaying weight measurements, then the display is simple, but it cannot provide sufficient precision for both wide dynamic range measurements and fine detail measurements simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The display dynamically switches between first and second scale intervals based on the measured weight value. When weight is within a predetermined range, the finer second scale interval is used; otherwise, the first scale interval is used. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing high precision only when needed, avoiding unnecessary display complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale interval parameter is changed based on the measured weight value. The display changes between two different scale interval parameters (first and second intervals) depending on whether the weight falls within the predetermined range. This parameter change allows the system to optimize precision for different measurement conditions without maintaining constant high complexity.
2Measurement precision
If high sensitivity measurement region is used for all measurements, then fine weight changes are detected accurately, but the measurement range is limited and cannot handle wide dynamic range
Solution Approach 1:
The weight sensor has different sensitivity characteristics in different weight regions. The high sensitivity measurement region is localized to a specific weight range where fine changes need to be detected. For other weight ranges, the sensor operates in normal sensitivity mode. This local quality differentiation allows the system to achieve high precision where needed while maintaining broad measurement range adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different measurement conditions by utilizing the weight sensor's ability to operate in both normal and high sensitivity regions. The controller determines which region is active based on the measured weight value and adjusts the display scale interval accordingly. This dynamic operation enables the system to handle both wide dynamic range and fine detail measurements.
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 enables precise and objective weight measurement and data comparison, enhancing user experience by providing finer information display and integrating subjective and objective weight data for effective infant growth monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensor arranged to measure a weight of a load on the weight sensor for producing a measurement output
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic scale functions in a normal and a high sensitivity measurement regions. The weights of mother alone and mother plus infant are measured in the high sensitivity region. The difference between the two measurements is the weight of infant alone, which is displayed with a finer scale interval than the normal one. The high sensitivity region is automatically shifted for covering the two measurements. The degree of shift is stored to correct the absolute mother weight. The infant weight is transmitted to a mobile phone, which displays growth curve of infant in comparison with a statistics growth curves provided by a server through the internet. The infant weight is uploaded to the server for incorporation into the statistics. The statistics is based on data gathered form a plurality of mobile phones, which are each authenticated to increase reliability of the statistics against false weight data upload.