Platform Scale Center of Gravity Offset Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing platform scales face issues with center-of-gravity offset, leading to invalid and imprecise weight measurements, especially during manual weighing, as they lack flexibility in adjusting for varying load positions and do not provide effective guidance for users to correct offset conditions.
Innovation Solution
A center-of-gravity offset detection method that sets a user-adjustable threshold for weight measurements, calculates the load's center-of-gravity position using a conventional algorithm, and visually alerts users to adjust the load's position within a valid region on the platform, ensuring effective weighing and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the scale detects center of gravity offset for all weighing events regardless of weight value, then measurement precision is improved for heavy loads, but loss of time increases due to unnecessary guidance for light loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a weight threshold parameter that dynamically controls the center of gravity detection process. When the measured weight exceeds this threshold, the system activates center of gravity offset detection and provides positioning guidance. When the weight is below the threshold, the system directly displays the weight value without additional detection or guidance steps. This parameter-based conditional processing resolves the contradiction by adapting the measurement precision level according to the weight magnitude, ensuring high precision for heavy loads while avoiding unnecessary time consumption for light loads.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the scale provides fixed size zone for load placement, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases for various environments and objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the valid region boundaries adjustable rather than fixed. The system allows the valid region size and position to be dynamically modified according to different weighing scenarios, object types, and environmental requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the scale to adapt to various environments (e.g., postal services, retail, industrial applications) and different object dimensions without requiring multiple dedicated devices, thereby achieving high adaptability while maintaining manageable system complexity through software-based configuration.
3Ease of operation
If the scale does not provide center of gravity position information, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates as users cannot adjust load position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by providing real-time center of gravity position information to the user through visual display. The system calculates the center of gravity based on weight distribution across multiple sensors and presents this information in an intuitive format (such as graphical indicators showing the position relative to the valid region). This feedback enables users to understand the current load positioning status and make informed adjustments to achieve valid measurements. The feedback mechanism is implemented through software processing and display, adding minimal hardware complexity while significantly improving ease of operation and user control.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed in the present invention is a center-of-gravity offset detection method and a platform scale that uses the method. The method comprises: calculating a weight value of the load; allowing a weighing platform to reach a steady state; determining whether the weight value exceeds a center-of-gravity offset threshold; calculating a position of a center-of-gravity of the load on the weighing platform using a load center-of-gravity position algorithm; determining whether the calculated position of the center-of-gravity of the load is in a valid region of the weighing platform; displaying the weight value when the position of the center-of-gravity of the load is within the valid region of the weighing platform; displaying the position of the center-of-gravity of the load when the position of the center-of-gravity of the load is outside the valid region of the weighing platform. The platform scale comprises a display apparatus and uses the center-of-gravity offset detection method, wherein the display apparatus displays the weight value or the position of center-of-gravity of the load on the weighing platform. The inventive platform scale can alert the user about a possible situation of an invalid weighing event by way of displaying an image indicative of the center-of-gravity offset condition thereby ensuring effective weighing and precision thereof.