Fiber Optic Weight Mat Using Microbend Sensor Arrays
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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 inconvenient and lacks automation for continuous weight management in households.
Innovation Solution
A weight management system featuring a mat with sealed perpendicular sensor arrays of fiber optic cables, microbend inducers, photodetectors, and a microcontroller that passively and automatically records weight measurements by detecting pressure maps of individuals' feet, allowing for unique identification and tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional bathroom scales are used for weight monitoring, then weight measurement is achieved, but the process requires active user participation and manual recording which reduces convenience and automation
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs weight measurement and recording without requiring user action. The mat continuously monitors weight by detecting pressure changes through fiber optic sensors, automatically identifies users through pressure map patterns, and stores weight data in memory without any manual intervention from users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical scale mechanisms with an optical sensing system using fiber optic cables and microbend sensors. This substitution enables automated detection of pressure changes and weight measurement through light intensity variations, eliminating the need for mechanical components and manual operation.
2Productivity
If manual weight recording is used, then weight data is captured, but the process is time-consuming and lacks continuity for effective weight management
Solution Approach 1:
The mat provides continuous weight monitoring by continuously detecting pressure changes through the fiber optic sensor array. The system operates without interruption, automatically recording every weight change event, which enables continuous tracking of weight trends over time without gaps or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically captures, processes, and stores weight data in memory without requiring user time for manual recording. The microcontroller automatically processes sensor signals, identifies users through pressure maps, records weight measurements with timestamps, and manages data storage, completely eliminating the time users would spend on manual recording.
3Ease of operation
If conventional scales require active seeking and standing on them, then weight measurement is obtained, but the process interrupts daily routines and reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The mat serves multiple functions: it acts as a conventional bathroom mat for daily use, an automated weighing scale for weight measurement, a user identification system through pressure map analysis, and a data storage device. This multi-functionality allows seamless integration into daily routines without requiring separate devices or interrupting normal activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of a bathroom mat with automated weight monitoring capabilities. The fiber optic sensor array is integrated within the mat structure itself, combining the familiar mat form factor with sophisticated sensing technology, thereby eliminating the need for separate scale devices and enabling unobtrusive monitoring during routine mat usage.
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 continuous, automated weight tracking with minimal user intervention, facilitating efficient weight management by integrating weight monitoring into daily routines, such as stepping on the mat after showers or baths, and providing individual identification and weight data for analysis.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
The change in light intensity caused by these microbends is recorded by photodetectors and processed by a microcontroller
Data Source
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.