Self-Weighing Container Integrating Load Cells for Shipping Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customers face challenges in determining the weight of delivery items without access to a scale, particularly when packaging items at home and depositing them at locations without available scales, such as corner mailboxes or before business hours.
Innovation Solution
A self-weighing container equipped with a weight-sensing device, microcontroller, and display that calculates and displays the weight of items placed inside, using technologies like pressure indicating paper or load cells, and optionally includes additional sensors and wireless transmission capabilities to communicate weight data to user devices or servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate scale is used to weigh delivery items, then weight measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and accessibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the weighing function with the delivery container by integrating a weight-sensing device directly into the container structure. This merging eliminates the need for a separate external scale, allowing customers to weigh items at the point of packaging without requiring additional equipment or traveling to locations with scales.
Solution Approach 2:
The container performs the weighing function autonomously through its integrated weight-sensing device, microcontroller, and display system. Customers can independently determine weights without assistance from external scales or personnel, enabling self-service weighing at any location where the container is used.
2Measurement precision
If a separate scale is used for weighing, then weight determination capability is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The container enables customers to weigh items independently at the point of packaging using the integrated weight-sensing device and display. This eliminates the need to find and operate separate scales, making the weighing process as convenient as placing items in the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller acts as an intermediary between the weight-sensing device and the display, automatically processing the weight signal and presenting the result to the customer. This automated intermediary eliminates manual measurement steps, simplifying the operation for customers.
3Ease of operation
If weight sensing is integrated into the container, then accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (container storage, weight sensing, signal processing, and display) into a single integrated system. While this increases internal complexity, it eliminates the need for separate weighing equipment, making the overall system more accessible and easier to use for customers.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to perform multiple functions: storing delivery items, sensing weight, processing signals, and displaying results. This multi-functionality makes the container universally applicable for both packaging and weighing operations, enhancing accessibility without requiring additional specialized equipment.
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
Enables users to determine the weight of delivery items accurately and efficiently, allowing for on-the-spot calculation of shipping costs and eliminating the need for external scales, while also providing additional features like temperature, humidity, and location tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a weight-sensing device that is configured to sense a weight of a delivery item that is placed inside the container
Implementation Method 2
the weight-sensing device may include one or more load cells, where each load cell of a plurality of load cells produces a signal that corresponds to a part of the weight of the delivery item
Data Source
AI summary
A self-weighing container for transporting delivery items includes a weight-sensing device that is configured to sense a weight of a delivery item that is placed inside the container; a microcontroller that is connected to the weight-sensing device; and a display that is connected to the microcontroller. When a delivery item is placed in the container, the weight-sensing device produces a signal that corresponds to the weight of the delivery item and the microcontroller receives the signal and determines the weight of the delivery item based on the signal. The microcontroller may transmit an indication of the weight to the display, which displays the weight based on the indication of the weight, or the microcontroller may transmit the weight to a smart phone for display.