Fiber-Optic Weight Mat Using Microbend Inducers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional weight monitoring methods require active participation, such as standing on a scale and manually recording weight, which is not automated or passive, making it inconvenient for consistent weight management.

Innovation Solution

A fiber-optic weight management mat with perpendicular sensor arrays and microbend inducers that detect pressure changes in fiber optic cables, allowing for automated weight measurement and identification of individuals by their unique foot pressure maps, enabling passive and continuous weight tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional weight scales are used, then weight measurement is achieved, but active participation and manual recording are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of weight monitoringVSAvoidconvenience of weight monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors weight without requiring active user participation. The fiber optic sensor array continuously detects weight changes and the microcontroller automatically records and stores the data, eliminating the need for manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical weight scale mechanisms with an optical sensing system using fiber optic cables and microbend inducers. This substitution enables automated detection and recording of weight changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual recording methods are used, then weight data is recorded, but consistent tracking is difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of weight data recordingVSAvoidtime required for manual recording

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic data recording and storage without requiring user intervention. The microcontroller continuously captures weight data from the sensor array and stores it in memory, eliminating time loss associated with manual recording.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fiber optic sensor array continuously monitors weight changes as the user moves, providing uninterrupted data collection. This continuous monitoring ensures consistent tracking without gaps that occur with manual recording.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If fiber optic cables are used for sensing, then automated detection is achieved, but microbend detection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of weight measurementVSAvoidcomplexity of sensor array

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor array is divided into multiple discrete fiber optic cables arranged in a grid pattern, with each cable containing multiple microbend inducers. This segmentation allows precise localization of weight changes while maintaining manageable complexity through modular structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the fiber optic cables have different properties - specific sections contain microbend inducers while other sections serve as transmission paths. This local differentiation enables precise weight measurement at specific locations without requiring the entire cable structure to be complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 automated and imperceptible weight monitoring, facilitating consistent tracking and management by integrating with daily routines, such as stepping on the mat after showers or baths, providing accurate and efficient weight data recording.

Implementation Method 1

Each sensor array includes fiber optic cables laid out in a grid pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

One or more microbend inducers act to induce detectable microbends in the fiber optic cables when an individual steps on the upper mat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrobend effect:

Implementation Method 3

The change in light intensity caused by these microbends is recorded by photodetectors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10082418B2Fiber-optic weight management mat with microbend inducers

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 GUPTA AMIT KUMAR

AI summary

A weight management mat for passively and automatically monitoring weight for one or more individuals in a household. The weight management mat generally includes a housing having an upper mat and a lower mat between which is sealed a pair of perpendicular sensor arrays. Each sensor array includes fiber optic cables laid out in a grid pattern. One or more microbend inducers act to induce detectable microbends in the fiber optic cables when an individual steps on the upper mat. The change in light intensity caused by these microbends is recorded by photodetectors and processed by a microcontroller. The present invention may be utilized to identify each unique individual stepping on the present invention by the pressure map of their feet. Thus, recorded weight measurements may be tracked to aid in weight management.