Mobile Device Scale Assembly Using Intermediary Sensing Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile device weight measurement methods using press-sensing touch screens are limited in accuracy and range, as they cannot provide reliable weight measurements without specific hardware configurations.

Innovation Solution

A scale assembly for mobile devices, comprising a platform, sensing members, flexible members, and a base with adjustable components, which allows the mobile device to detect changes in sensing values through the touch screen, converting these changes into weight values using a software application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If press-sensing touch screens are used for weight measurement, then weight measurement capability is achieved, but measurement precision and measuring range are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight measurement precisionVSAvoidtouch screen sensing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A dedicated sensing member is introduced as an intermediary between the platform and the mobile device's touch screen. This sensing member has a sensing surface that contacts the touch screen, allowing the touch screen to detect weight-induced displacement with enhanced precision. The sensing member acts as a mediator that translates mechanical weight into detectable touch screen signals, overcoming the limitations of direct touch screen sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a dedicated scale device is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device portability and ease of operation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight measurement precisionVSAvoidmobile device portability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables the mobile device to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a computing device and a precision weighing scale. By integrating the sensing member with the mobile device's existing touch screen, the device gains weight measurement capability without requiring a separate dedicated scale device. This multi-functionality maintains portability and ease of operation while achieving accurate weight measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the sensing member directly contacts the platform, then structural complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing structure complexityVSAvoidweight measurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing member serves as an intermediary component between the platform and the mobile device's touch screen. It includes a sensing surface that contacts the touch screen and a supporting structure that connects to the platform. This intermediary structure ensures reliable force transmission from the platform to the touch screen while maintaining proper contact geometry, thereby improving measurement reliability without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 extended weight measurement capabilities for mobile devices by utilizing flexible members and adjustable components to enhance the range and precision of weight detection, compatible with various mobile device types.

Implementation Method 1

at least one flexible member (40)... abuts the platform (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10060783B2Scale assembly with a base having a resting surface defining a receiving slot
Publication Date: 2018.08.28 WISTRON CORP
  • US10060783B2 patent drawing
  • US10060783B2 patent drawing
  • US10060783B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The instant disclosure relates to a scale assembly applicable to a mobile device, which includes a touch screen and a software application (app). The scale assembly includes a platform, one or more sensing member, one or more flexible member, and a base. When an object is placed on the platform, the sensing member of the scale assembly presses the touch screen of the mobile device, and the mobile device, based on the app, reads the change associated with a sensing value detected by the touch screen, and converts the obtained sensing value difference into the weight of the object.