Kitchen Scale Parylene Coating for Dishwasher Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Kitchen scales are not liquid-tight, making them unsuitable for cleaning under running water or in a dishwasher, as moisture can penetrate and damage the weighing cells and electronics, affecting measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The kitchen scale design features a parylene coating for the weighing cells and electronics, allowing for protection against moisture and chemicals, with an open construction to facilitate drainage and drying, and additional sensors to ensure accurate weight measurement in damp conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the kitchen scale is designed as a closed structure to prevent moisture penetration, then protection against moisture and chemicals is improved, but the ability to clean under running water or in a dishwasher deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a thin film coating (parylene or similar polymer) to the weighing cell and electronics components. This coating forms a moisture barrier that protects sensitive parts while allowing the overall scale structure to remain open and cleanable. The coating is applied as a thin conformal layer that seals micro-level defects without creating a bulky enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the moisture protection function from the structural housing and applies it directly to the sensitive components (weighing cell, electronics) via coating. This allows the housing to remain open for cleaning while the critical components receive targeted protection.
2Ease of operation
If the scale structure is made open to allow drainage and drying, then cleanability is improved, but protection against moisture penetration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies moisture protection selectively only to areas where it is needed (weighing cell, electronics, battery compartment) rather than enclosing the entire scale. The open structure remains exposed for cleaning, while critical components receive localized coating protection.
3Reliability
If a complete moisture barrier is implemented, then protection against moisture is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to moisture interference with strain gauges
Solution Approach 1:
The thin film coating allows moisture vapor to pass through while blocking liquid water. This maintains the strain gauge's ability to respond to mechanical deformation while protecting against liquid moisture that would cause corrosion or electrical interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state barrier from complete liquid impermeability to a selective barrier that allows vapor transmission but blocks liquid penetration. This maintains the strain gauge's mechanical sensitivity while providing liquid moisture protection.
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 parylene coating and open design enable the scale to be dishwasher-safe, with rapid drying and protection against mechanical and chemical influences, ensuring reliable weight measurements and extended durability.
Implementation Method 1
the weighing cell has at least one strain gauge, which is at least partially provided with a parylene coating
Implementation Method 2
at least one strain gauge, which is deformed by the deformation of the weighing cell as a result of a load resting on the carrying plate
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a kitchen scale comprising a carrying plate (1), a substructure (2) supporting the carrying plate, weighing cells (6) comprising at least one strain gauge (10), an electronics unit (4), which is capable of computing the weight of the load, and comprising a display device for displaying the ascertained weight and a battery compartment for accommodating a voltage source which supplies the electronics unit (4) with power. The weighing cell (6) has at least one strain gauge, which is at least partially provided with a parylene coating.