Neonatal Care Platform Weight Measurement with Automatic Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neonatal care systems require manual leveling of the platform before weighing, which is time-consuming and error-prone, and also need location-specific calibrations for gravitational variations, introducing complexity and potential errors in weight measurements.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates load cells, inclinometers, and accelerometers to determine infant weight at any platform angle without leveling, and uses gravity compensation mechanisms to eliminate the need for location-specific calibrations, with a controller automatically leveling the platform and calculating weight based on measured acceleration due to gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual leveling of the platform is performed before weighing, then weight measurement accuracy is improved, but operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic leveling using an inclinometer to measure platform angle and a controller to adjust the platform to a level position, eliminating the need for manual clinician intervention. The system serves itself by automatically detecting and correcting its own tilt status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical leveling operations with an automated electronic system comprising an inclinometer for angle sensing and a controller for automated adjustment, substituting human manual labor with electronic measurement and control mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If manual leveling is required, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects platform tilt using the inclinometer and performs self-leveling through the tilting mechanism controlled by the controller, eliminating the need for clinician intervention and making the operation simpler and more intuitive.
3Measurement precision
If location-specific calibration for gravitational variations is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an accelerometer to dynamically measure local gravitational acceleration and automatically adjusts weight measurements based on the measured gravity value, replacing complex location-specific calibration procedures with real-time physical parameter measurement and compensation.
4Ease of operation
If automated weight determination using angle measurement is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical leveling with electronic angle sensing using an inclinometer and automated controller-based adjustment, substituting human manual operations with electronic measurement and control systems that maintain precision while improving ease of use.
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
This approach enables accurate and automated infant weight measurement regardless of platform angle and location, reducing human error and simplifying the calibration process, ensuring precise and efficient neonatal care.
Implementation Method 1
at least one load cell configured to sense a weight of the infant supported on the platform
Implementation Method 2
an inclinometer configured to measure an angle of the platform
Implementation Method 3
an accelerometer configured to measure acceleration due to gravity at a measurement location
Data Source
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AI summary
A neonatal care system includes a platform for supporting an infant, at least one load cell configured to sense a weight of the infant supported on the platform, and an inclinometer configured to measure an angle of the platform. A controller is configured to determine an infant weight based on the sensed weight and the measured angle of the platform.