Scale Electrode Layout Across Rounded Edges to Prevent Water Ingress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic body scales with electrodes face issues of water infiltration and complex manufacturing processes due to holes and soldering for electrical connections, compromising the integrity of electronic circuits and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

An electronic measuring device with electrodes extending from the upper to the lower face via a rounded edge on the measuring plate, eliminating the need for holes and simplifying the manufacturing process by using conductive coatings applied in two stages, ensuring good electrical conduction and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If holes are drilled in the weighing plate to connect electrodes to electronic circuits, then electrical contact is achieved, but water infiltration risk increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidwater infiltration risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is merged with the weighing plate by extending it continuously from the upper face through the rounded edge to the lower face, eliminating the need for separate holes and wire connections. This integration maintains electrical contact reliability while preventing water infiltration paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The weighing plate features a rounded edge instead of a sharp 90-degree corner, allowing the electrode to extend smoothly from the upper face to the lower face. This curved geometry enables continuous electrical connection without requiring holes, thus preventing water infiltration while maintaining electrical reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If holes are drilled and wires soldered to connect electrodes, then electrical contact is achieved, but manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contactVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is integrated directly into the weighing plate structure, extending continuously from the upper face through the rounded edge to the lower face. This eliminates multiple manufacturing steps including drilling holes, inserting wires, and soldering, thereby reducing manufacturing process complexity while ensuring reliable electrical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If holes are made in the weighing plate for electrode connection, then electrical contact is achieved, but cleaning difficulty increases due to non-flat surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contactVSAvoidcleaning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The weighing plate is designed with a rounded edge instead of holes, creating a completely flat upper face that is easy to clean. The electrode extends smoothly through the rounded edge to the lower face, maintaining electrical contact without compromising the flat, cleanable surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Ease of manufacture

If electrodes are extended over rounded edge, then manufacturing is simplified and surface is flat, but electrical conduction must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidelectrical conduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rounded edge with a specific radius allows the electrode to extend continuously from the upper face to the lower face while maintaining good electrical conduction. The curved surface provides sufficient contact area for the conductive coating, ensuring reliable electrical connection without requiring complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

The solution provides a flat, easy-to-clean surface with improved electrical conduction, enhanced accuracy of biometric measurements, and a simplified, cost-effective manufacturing process while protecting the electrodes from damage.

Implementation Method 1

The features described in the following paragraphs can optionally be implemented independently or in combination with one another. The rounded edge may be a convex surface. The rounded edge may be devoid of blind portions. The measuring device may be manufactured by two-stage application of conductive material to each face of the measuring plate, with each application covering a portion of the rounded edge.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12487114B2Electronic measuring device with electrode

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 WITHINGS SAS

AI summary

An electronic measuring device includes a weighing plate, extending along a measuring plane and including an upper face configured to receive a user's feet; a lower face, opposite the upper face, and a rounded edge connecting the upper face to the lower face; and at least one electrode extending on the weighing plate from the upper face over the rounded edge to the lower face.