Medical Scale Everlock Mode for Multi-Unit Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical scales often require frequent and costly recalibration when switching between units of measurement, and existing single-unit scales lack flexibility, leading to resource wastage and increased inventory needs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an 'Everlock™' mode that permanently locks the scale into a selected unit of measurement while maintaining calibration, allowing factory reset and enabling multiple measurement unit modes, including a 'Toggle' mode for user selection and a 'Unit Lock' mode for permanent locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a scale is made capable of displaying weight measurements in multiple units (pounds, kilograms), then the scale provides flexibility for different applications, but the scale requires recalibration when switching units which increases cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scale's operation into distinct modes (pound mode and kilogram mode) with separate calibration parameters stored in memory. The scale can switch between these modes without requiring full recalibration, as each mode has its own stored calibration data. This allows the scale to maintain calibration while providing multi-unit flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the scale by storing multiple sets of calibration parameters (one for pounds, one for kilograms) in memory. When switching between units, the scale retrieves the appropriate calibration parameters rather than performing recalibration. This parameter switching approach maintains measurement accuracy while eliminating recalibration time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a scale is made capable of displaying weight measurements in multiple units (pounds, kilograms), then the scale provides flexibility for different applications, but the cost of calibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments calibration data into separate memory locations for different units of measurement. By storing distinct calibration parameters for pounds and kilograms, the scale eliminates the need for expensive recalibration when switching units. This segmentation approach reduces calibration costs while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs calibration in advance for multiple units and stores the results in memory. This preliminary calibration action eliminates the need for repeated recalibration when switching between units, thereby reducing calibration costs. The scale is prepared beforehand with multiple sets of calibration parameters ready for retrieval.
3Reliability
If a scale is designed to provide weight measurements in a single unit type, then the scale maintains calibration without loss, but the scale lacks flexibility for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the scale to operate in multiple unit systems (pounds and kilograms) while maintaining reliable calibration. The scale stores calibration parameters for both units and can switch between them, providing universal applicability across different measurement systems without sacrificing calibration integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement unit parameter while maintaining calibration reliability through stored calibration data. The scale can switch between pounds and kilograms by retrieving appropriate calibration parameters from memory, thereby achieving adaptability without compromising the reliability of measurements in either unit system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If re-burning or re-flashing the scale's firmware is performed to repurpose the scale, then the scale can be converted to a different unit type, but the scale's calibration is erased requiring recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments calibration data from firmware, storing calibration parameters separately in memory rather than embedding them in firmware. This allows the firmware to be re-flashed for repurposing without erasing calibration data, eliminating recalibration time while maintaining adaptability for different unit types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts calibration data from the firmware and stores it separately in memory. This extraction allows the firmware to be independently updated or re-flashed for scale repurposing without affecting stored calibration parameters. Users can repurpose the scale without incurring recalibration time or costs.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling measurement units for a medical scale. One system includes a removable head unit configured to couple to a medical scale platform. The removable head unit includes a human machine interface (HMI) and an electronic processor coupled to the human machine interface. The electronic processor is configured to receive, via the HMI, a first user input selecting a permanent lock mode. The electronic processor is configured to, in response to receiving the user input, present a first authentication request and receive a second user input including a first authentication token. The electronic processor is configured to, when the first authentication token is valid, present a measurement unit selection prompt. The electronic processor is configured to receive a second user input selecting a measurement unit and, in response to receiving the second user input, activate the permanent lock mode based on the selected measurement unit.