Electronic Scale Detection Circuit for Battery Life

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic scales have limited autonomy due to high power consumption, particularly when implementing functions like precise weight measurement and display, which are often only activated when a person or object is detected.

Innovation Solution

A separate detection circuit is used to periodically control the voltage supply to the weight sensor and detect weight increases, triggering the control unit to perform measurements only when necessary, thereby reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the control unit is permanently switched on to detect weight changes, then the response time for weight measurement is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate units: a detection circuit with minimal power consumption that operates continuously, and a control unit with higher power consumption that operates only when needed. This segmentation allows the detection function to run permanently without significantly increasing overall power consumption, while maintaining fast response capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A detection circuit acts as an intermediary between the weight sensor and the main control unit. This intermediary continuously monitors weight changes with minimal power consumption and only activates the main control unit when a weight change exceeds the threshold, thereby reducing the main control unit's operational time and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the control unit performs all detection and measurement functions, then the system complexity is reduced, but the autonomy between battery recharges decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidautonomy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system functions are segmented between a simple detection circuit and a more sophisticated control unit. The detection circuit handles continuous monitoring with minimal complexity, while the control unit performs complex measurements only when triggered. This functional segmentation extends battery autonomy while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detection circuit operates continuously with minimal power consumption, while the control unit operates periodically only when weight changes are detected. This periodic activation of the high-power component significantly extends battery autonomy while the continuous operation of the low-power detection circuit maintains system responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If the control unit is activated continuously for precise weight measurement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the electrical energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight measurement precisionVSAvoidelectrical energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection circuit serves as an intermediary that continuously monitors weight changes with minimal power consumption. When a weight change exceeds the threshold, it triggers the control unit to perform precise measurements. This intermediary approach ensures measurement precision is maintained when needed while minimizing electrical energy consumption during continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit performs precise weight measurements periodically only when triggered by the detection circuit, rather than operating continuously. This periodic activation significantly reduces electrical energy consumption while the detection circuit maintains continuous monitoring capability to ensure measurement precision is achieved when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 significantly reduces electrical energy consumption, increasing the autonomy of electronic scales by allowing the detection circuit to remain always on while the control unit only activates during measurements.

Implementation Method 1

a weight sensor... the detection circuit is configured to periodically control a voltage supply to the weight sensor and to detect a weight increase above a predetermined threshold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12298173B2Electronic scale with increased battery life and control method therefor

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 WITHINGS SAS

AI summary

An electronic scale includes a weight sensor, a control unit connected to the weight sensor and a detection circuit connected to the control unit and to the weight sensor, the detection circuit being distinct from the control unit. The detection circuit is configured to periodically control a voltage supply to the weight sensor, to detect an increase in weight above a predetermined threshold and to send a weight measurement initiation command to the control unit. The control unit is then configured to wake up from a standby state and implement a weight measurement by issuing a command to supply voltage to the weight sensor and by performing a processing of the voltage across the weight sensor.