Weighing device with spectral analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weighing devices, particularly in kitchens, face challenges in achieving accurate mass measurements due to difficulties in precisely determining the deformation of support plates without a suitable reference position, requiring complex and costly detectors.
Innovation Solution
A weighing device that utilizes mechanical vibrations of a support plate to determine mass by measuring spectral characteristics, such as resonant frequencies, using excitation and measuring elements strategically placed on the diagonals of the support plate to enhance accuracy and simplify the measurement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauges or capacitive/optical sensors are used to measure deformation of the support plate, then mass measurement capability is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in determining absolute positions without a suitable reference position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by exciting the support plate to vibrate at its resonant frequencies. Instead of measuring static deformation, the system measures dynamic vibration characteristics. The excitation element generates vibrations, and the detection element measures the resonant frequencies, which are then used to determine mass. This approach eliminates the need for complex reference position systems while achieving high measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If complex detectors are used to achieve accurate mass measurement, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with a simplified vibration-based measurement system. Instead of using strain gauges or capacitive sensors that require complex reference position determination, the system uses an excitation element to generate vibrations and a detection element to measure resonant frequencies. This substitution of mechanical measurement with vibration analysis significantly reduces device complexity while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If spectral analysis of vibrations is used to determine mass, then measurement precision improves, but use of energy increases due to excitation and analysis processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using oscillating excitation signals to vibrate the support plate. The excitation element applies periodic forces at the resonant frequency of the support plate, which amplifies the vibration response. This periodic excitation allows for efficient energy transfer and enables spectral analysis to accurately determine mass while minimizing the total energy required compared to continuous or aperiodic excitation methods.
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 method allows for simple yet accurate mass determination by analyzing the spectral characteristics of vibrations, enabling higher precision and the potential to identify additional parameters like object diameter or position, thus improving measurement accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one excitation element (12) arranged and designed so that it can generate mechanical vibrations in the support plate (1)
Implementation Method 2
determining at least one spectral characteristic of the vibrations of the support plate (1), with the object (10) placed thereon
Implementation Method 3
at least one measuring element (14) located and adapted to measure the mechanical vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a weighing device, e.g. for kitchens. It has a support plate (1) for receiving the object to be measured and a controller (16). Furthermore, an excitation element (12) for generating mechanical vibrations in the support plate (1) and a measuring element (14) for measuring the mechanical vibrations of the support plate (1) are provided. The excitation element (12) and the measuring element (14) are used to determine one or more resonance frequencies and/or other spectral characteristics of the support plate (1), and this is used, for example, to determine the mass of the object.