Programmable Weighing Scale Programming Mode via Key Signal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic weighing scales have fixed service characteristics that cannot be changed without altering the hardware, limiting customization and requiring manufacturers to produce multiple versions, leading to inventory challenges and inflexible use in different applications.

Innovation Solution

A programmable electronic weighing scale system that allows users to select and change operating parameters such as capacity and responsiveness through a programming mode, using a controller and external programming box to set desired values, ensuring limited accessibility to authorized personnel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If software is burned into hardware memory to customize scale characteristics, then service characteristics can be customized, but customization can only be performed at manufacture time and cannot be changed without hardware alteration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization of service characteristicsVSAvoidhardware memory programming

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed programming approach into a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The controller can now be reprogrammed multiple times through the power port interface, allowing service characteristics to change over time rather than being fixed at manufacture. This enables the scale to adapt to different applications and customer needs without hardware changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state of the controller from a fixed hardware-programmed device to a software-reconfigurable device. By introducing a programming mode accessible through the power port, the system allows modification of operating parameters (capacity, responsiveness, etc.) without altering the physical hardware, thus resolving the contradiction between customization capability and hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hard-programmed scales are manufactured to meet different service characteristics, then customer customization needs are met, but manufacturers must maintain inventory of differently programmed scales

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice characteristics varietyVSAvoidinventory of programmed scales

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single scale model universal by enabling it to perform multiple different service configurations. Instead of manufacturing separate scales for different capacities and responsiveness levels, one scale can be programmed to serve any of these functions. This eliminates the need for manufacturers to maintain inventories of multiple pre-programmed scale versions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The scale transitions from a static, single-purpose device to a dynamic, multi-purpose platform. The ability to reprogram the controller allows the same hardware to adapt to different service requirements over time, replacing the need for multiple fixed versions in inventory with a single reconfigurable unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional scales use fixed hardware programming, then manufacturing is simplified, but scale characteristics cannot be changed after manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware programming simplicityVSAvoidpost-manufacture customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary programming interface accessible through the power port. This intermediary layer allows users to modify scale characteristics without complicating the manufacturing process. The controller remains hardware-based for manufacturing simplicity, but the added software layer enables post-manufacture customization through the power port connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a programming mode and interface into the controller design beforehand, allowing future reconfiguration without manufacturing complexity. By preparing the controller with reprogrammable firmware and the necessary interface circuitry during manufacture, the system enables easy post-manufacture customization while keeping the manufacturing process itself relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7872201B1System and method for programming a weighing scale using a key signal to enter a programming mode

Publication Date: 2011.01.18 EDLUND CO LLC

AI summary

A programmable weighing scale and a system and method for programming values of adjustable operating parameters used in generating the displayed output from the weighing scale. The weighing scale is placed into a restricted-access programming mode, which allows an authorized programmer to select values of operating parameters that allow the programmer to initially set or change the service characteristics of the scale. Operating parameters that can be varied include variables used in sampling the weighing scale's transducer electrical output, mathematically processing that output, and displaying the results. Once the operating parameter values have been selected, the weighing scale will utilize those values until the weighing scale undergoes a subsequent reprogramming.