Foldable Scale With Segmented Support Feet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable scales are bulky, cumbersome, complex, and expensive to manufacture, with stability issues due to small bases that can tip over, and they lack simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A foldable scale design featuring a central hinge piece with articulated arms, weight sensors at both ends, and a deformable device that allows the central support foot to engage only when heavy objects are weighed, providing stability and reducing complexity by distributing weight through peripheral support feet and a central foot, along with electronic modules for weight measurement and wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the base dimensions are reduced to make the scale compact, then portability is improved, but stability deteriorates because the base can tip over
Solution Approach 1:
The base is segmented into multiple support feet distributed at different locations (peripheral feet on arms and central foot on central hinge piece). This segmentation allows the scale to maintain a compact overall footprint while distributing weight across multiple contact points, thereby improving stability without increasing base dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support feet are positioned in three-dimensional space at different heights and locations. The central support foot is positioned at a different vertical level than the peripheral feet, creating a multi-level support structure that enhances stability while maintaining compact horizontal dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple joints are added to enable folding, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases making it expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The central hinge piece serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the central articulation point for all arms, provides a support foot for ground contact, and houses a weight sensor. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each arm serves multiple purposes: it provides structural support, enables folding for portability, houses a support foot for ground contact, and contains a weight sensor for measurement. This multi-functionality reduces component count and manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired portability.
3Ease of manufacture
If weight sensors are placed only on the base, then manufacturing is simplified, but measurement precision deteriorates due to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The weight measurement function is segmented across multiple sensors: one weight sensor on the central hinge piece and additional weight sensors on each arm. This segmentation distributes the measurement function across stable reference points, improving measurement precision while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized sensor placement.
4Weight of stationary object
If the structure is made light for portability, then ease of carrying is improved, but strength deteriorates making it difficult to support heavy objects
Solution Approach 1:
The scale employs a deformable device with predetermined elasticity that allows the structure to dynamically adapt to load conditions. The deformable device enables the light structure to temporarily deform under heavy loads and then return to its original shape, allowing the scale to support heavy objects without permanent deformation while maintaining light weight for portability.
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 design results in a compact, stable, and cost-effective foldable scale that can handle varying weights with ease, maintaining stability and simplicity while allowing for accurate weight measurement and remote data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of weight sensors, characterized in that: each arm: comprises at a first end a weight sensor and a support foot
Implementation Method 2
the foldable balance comprises a deformable device which has a predetermined elasticity, so that: in the unfolded state and receiving an object to be weighed weighing less than a predetermined weight, the foldable balance rests on the support only via the support feet of the articulated arms
Data Source
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AI summary
Folding balance comprising: - a central articulation piece (10), - a plurality of arms (20), each articulated, with respect to said central articulation piece (10), - a plurality of weight sensors, characterized in that: - each arm (20) comprises at a first end a weight sensor (40) and a support foot (30), and is articulated with respect to the central articulation piece (10) at a second end, - the central articulation piece (10) comprises a central support foot (31) and a weight sensor (40).