Magnetic Target Weight Sensor for Compact High-Precision Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weight sensors, particularly those used in domestic settings for measuring small quantities like coffee, face challenges with accuracy and reliability due to mechanical deformation, temperature sensitivity, and susceptibility to spillage, especially when handling hot products.
Innovation Solution
A compact weight sensor design utilizing a flexible target piece and a sensing element that detects magnetic field changes, integrated with a semiconductor package, allowing for accurate position sensing and robustness against stray fields, with optional temperature compensation and a low profile footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic field sensing is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetic target, flexible piece, and sensing element into a single integrated force sensor unit. The target is embedded in the flexible piece, which is directly integrated on the semiconductor package, merging multiple components into one compact assembly that maintains high measurement precision while reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the magnetic target within the flexible piece, creating a nested structure where the target is contained inside the flexible material. This nesting approach allows the sensing system to maintain high measurement precision while minimizing the footprint and simplifying the overall device structure
2Ease of operation
If the sensor is made compact, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the target and flexible piece into a single integrated component that is directly mounted on the semiconductor package. This integration eliminates the need for separate alignment steps between multiple components, thereby improving ease of operation through compactness while reducing manufacturing precision requirements
3Device complexity
If the flexible piece is made smaller, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameters of the flexible piece, including its thickness and material properties, to achieve the right balance between size and sensitivity. By carefully selecting the flexibility parameter of the material and the thickness of the piece, the sensor maintains high measurement precision in a compact form factor
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 solution provides a highly accurate, compact, and integrable weight sensor capable of measuring small weights with high resolution, resistant to temperature changes and spillage, suitable for domestic appliances like coffee grinders and brewers.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing element is configured to sense changes of the magnetic field from motion of the target piece with respect to the sensing element
Implementation Method 2
The flexible piece comprises the target piece for providing motion of the target piece upon placement of a product to be weighted over the flexible piece
Data Source
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AI summary
A weight sensor comprises a sensing system including a target piece and a sensing element, configured to provide changes of a magnetic field, being generated by motion of the target piece. The sensing element senses these changes and provides a signal representative of the position of the target piece. An integrated circuit with processing means can process signals from the sensing element. The flexible piece receives a force stimulus, so that upon exerting a force on the flexible piece by a product due to the weight of said product, the displacement of the target piece with respect to sensing elements can be sensed.