Integrated Luggage Weighing System for Real-Time Weight Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luggage weighing systems are inadequate for real-time weighing on both hard and soft surfaces, leading to potential injuries, excess charges, and increased risk of tampering, as they require frequent opening and closing of luggage and are often inaccurate on soft surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An integrated luggage weighing system with a weigh sensor housing, a microprocessor, and a ground engaging member that allows for real-time weight measurement on various surfaces, including soft surfaces, by adjusting its position to engage the sensor and display the weight on an external display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional home weighing scale is used to weigh luggage, then the luggage weight can be measured, but the luggage must be closed before weighing and the scale is small-sized making it difficult to place and steady bulky luggage
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing function is merged with the luggage structure itself by integrating a weighing scale into the luggage body. The luggage case includes a base plate with a weighing scale that can support the luggage while it is being packed, eliminating the need to close the luggage before weighing and allowing continuous weight monitoring throughout the packing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate acts as an intermediary platform that provides a stable surface for the weighing scale. This base plate can be positioned on various surfaces (hard or soft) and includes features like feet or wheels to ensure stability during weighing, mediating between the luggage and the weighing function.
2Measurement precision
If a fish-scale with handle attachment is used, then the luggage can be weighed by lifting, but the user must repeatedly open and close the luggage and hang the scale to measure weight
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing function is permanently integrated into the luggage structure, combining the luggage case with a weighing scale that remains stationary during packing. This eliminates the need to repeatedly attach and detach a separate weighing device, allowing continuous weight monitoring as items are packed without time loss from repeated opening and closing operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If luggage is weighed on soft surfaces, then the luggage can be weighed anywhere, but the weight measurement becomes inaccurate due to surface deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate serves as an intermediary that transfers the luggage weight to the weighing scale through a rigid connection. By positioning the base plate on the soft surface and using its structural rigidity, the system maintains accurate weight measurement despite the softness of the underlying surface, as the base plate prevents deformation from affecting the scale reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighing system is segmented into distinct functional components: the base plate for surface contact and stability, the weighing scale for measurement, and the luggage for being weighed. This segmentation allows the base plate to handle surface adaptability while the weighing scale maintains measurement precision through isolated, direct contact with the luggage weight.
4Productivity
If the luggage is opened frequently to check weight, then the weight can be monitored during packing, but the risk of tampering increases and security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing function is merged with the luggage structure itself, allowing continuous weight monitoring as items are packed without requiring the luggage to be opened. The integrated scale remains stationary and visible throughout the packing process, enabling real-time weight checking while the luggage remains closed and secure, thereby eliminating the security risk associated with frequent opening.
5Measurement precision
If a home weighing scale is used, then the luggage weight can be measured, but the scale display is obscured by bulky luggage and the scale cannot accommodate large items
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing scale is merged with the luggage structure by integrating it into the base plate of the luggage case. This integration ensures that the scale has sufficient area to accommodate bulky items and that the display remains visible and accessible, as the scale becomes part of the luggage platform rather than a separate, space-constrained device.
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 accurate and continuous luggage weight monitoring, reducing the risk of injury and tampering, and ensuring compliance with weight limits, while improving security and reducing the likelihood of lost luggage.
Implementation Method 1
a weigh sensor mounted within the weigh sensor housing calibrated to determine weight of the luggage case
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a luggage and integrated weighing system for weighing luggage on hard or soft surfaces in real time. A luggage case includes a body structure for receiving and holding articles for transport where the body has a closure means on a portion thereof for opening and closing the body to allow insertion and removal of luggage articles. The luggage case includes at least one weigh body mounted to a portion of the body structure, a weigh sensor housing, a weigh sensor mounted within the weigh sensor housing calibrated to determine weight of the luggage case, and a ground engaging member adjustably mounted within the weigh housing that is movable between a weighing condition and a non-weighing condition.