Portable Medical Scale Calibration Device Using Simulated Dead Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calibration methods for medical scales are cumbersome and labor-intensive, requiring heavy certified test weights that are difficult to transport and store, often leading to incomplete scale performance testing across the entire load range.
Innovation Solution
A portable calibration device that applies a simulated dead weight using a force-applying mechanism, supported by a movable base and frame assembly, allowing for accurate calibration and accuracy testing of medical scales across their entire rated load range, eliminating the need for heavy test weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If heavy certified test weights are used for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but weight of moving object increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical test weights with a force-generating mechanism that applies calibrated forces directly to the scale. This substitution eliminates the need to transport and handle heavy weights while maintaining calibration accuracy through controlled force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration device is designed to provide multiple calibration forces through a single mechanism, allowing it to calibrate scales across their entire operating range. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple different weight values, consolidating what would otherwise require several heavy weights into one device.
2Measurement precision
If heavy certified test weights are used for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical test weights with a force-generating mechanism that applies calibrated forces directly to the scale. This substitution eliminates the need to transport and handle heavy weights while maintaining calibration accuracy through controlled force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the parameter of force application from static weights to dynamically controllable forces. This allows for precise control of calibration forces and enables testing across the entire scale range without manually handling different weight values, significantly improving operational ease.
3Measurement precision
If heavy certified test weights are used for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the parameter of force application from static weights to dynamically controllable forces. This allows for precise control of calibration forces and enables testing across the entire scale range without manually handling different weight values, significantly improving operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-generating mechanism can continuously apply calibration forces across the entire scale operating range without interruption. This eliminates the time required to physically move between different weight values and maintain continuous calibration action throughout the measurement range.
4Device complexity
If calibration is limited to minimum weight points, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the parameter of force application from static weights to dynamically controllable forces. This allows for precise control of calibration forces and enables testing across the entire scale range without manually handling different weight values, significantly improving operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-generating mechanism can continuously apply calibration forces across the entire scale operating range without interruption. This eliminates the time required to physically move between different weight values and maintain continuous calibration action throughout the measurement range.
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 device simplifies the calibration process, reducing labor and transportation challenges while ensuring comprehensive scale performance testing, improving accuracy and diagnosing any inaccuracies in medical scales.
Implementation Method 1
a force-applying mechanism (e.g., an electromagnet) operable to apply a force to the scale
Data Source
AI summary
A scale calibration device and method of use. The device may include a base supportable on and movable along a surface to a location. The base further includes a base surface for supporting a scale to be calibrated proximate the location. The device includes a frame assembly connected to the base and operable to support, in a position over the base surface, means for simulating a dead weight, the means being operable to apply a force to the scale supported on the base surface.