Weighing Base Abnormality Detection Using Paired Sensor Sums
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large medical weight scales face difficulties in detecting abnormalities due to their heavy weight, making it challenging to notice errors caused by contact with the floor or foreign objects, and they are difficult to lift and inspect for issues after installation.
Innovation Solution
A weighing apparatus with a rectangular base and weighing sensors at its corners, utilizing a control unit to calculate weighed values and an abnormality detection means that monitors the sum of output values from a pair of sensors on one side of the base to detect abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the weighing base is made heavy to ensure stability during weighing, then the stability of the weighing base is improved, but the ability to detect abnormalities caused by contact with floor or foreign objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring function by separately analyzing the sum of output values from pairs of weighing sensors on opposite sides. Instead of monitoring all four sensors uniformly, it divides them into two pairs (left side and right side) and compares the sums independently, enabling detection of asymmetric contact abnormalities even when the heavy weighing base masks individual sensor changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the monitoring parameter from individual sensor output values to the sum of output values from paired sensors. By calculating and comparing the sums of opposite-side sensor pairs, the system can detect abnormalities in the heavy weighing base configuration that would be imperceptible when monitoring single sensor values alone.
2Weight of stationary object
If the weighing base is made heavy for large medical weight scales, then the weight and stability are improved, but the ease of lifting and inspection after installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing base performs self-diagnosis through the abnormality detection function. The control unit automatically monitors the sum of output values from paired weighing sensors and identifies contact abnormalities without requiring physical inspection or lifting of the heavy weighing base, enabling the system to self-verify its installation state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the sum of output values from paired weighing sensors and comparing them to detect abnormalities. This automatic feedback mechanism provides real-time information about potential contact issues, eliminating the need for manual post-installation inspection of the heavy weighing base.
3Ease of operation
If the weighing base is positioned low to allow elderly subjects to easily get on and off, then the ease of operation is improved, but the occurrence of contact with bumps, dips, and foreign objects on the floor surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by monitoring the sum of output values from paired weighing sensors before actual weighing begins. This allows the system to detect contact abnormalities caused by the low positioning (such as contact with floor bumps or foreign objects) and alert users before inaccurate measurements occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical inspection methods with electronic sensing. Instead of requiring physical lifting or mechanical checks to detect contact abnormalities, the system uses the weighing sensors to electronically monitor and detect contact issues, providing a non-intrusive detection method suitable for the low-positioned weighing base.
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 prompt detection of abnormalities in large weight scales, even when they are heavy, by identifying changes in the sum of output values from paired sensors, preventing inaccurate readings.
Implementation Method 1
weighing sensors disposed at four corners of the weighing base, and a control unit configured to calculate a weighed value of the to-be-weighed object on the weighing base based on output values of the weighing sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a weighing apparatus that enables occurrence of an abnormality to be noticed. A weighing apparatus includes a rectangular weighing base, weighing sensors disposed at four corners of the weighing base, a control unit configured to calculate a weighed value of a to-be-weighed object on the weighing base based on outputs of the weighing sensors, and an abnormality detection means configured to detect occurrence of an abnormality based on output values of the weighing sensors, and detects occurrence of an abnormality by comparing a sum of output values of a pair of weighing sensors disposed on one side of the weighing base among the weighing sensors with a sum of past output values of the pair of weighing sensors.