Weighing Compartment with Integrated Sensor Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precision balances used in laboratories face challenges in cleaning due to the presence of edges on operating elements and display devices, which can lead to cross-contamination in subsequent weighing processes.
Innovation Solution
A weighing compartment with a smooth, continuous work surface that integrates sensors for input detection, eliminating the need for physical switches and displays, allowing for easy cleaning and incorporating a projector for visual displays, along with an identification surface for sample documentation, and auxiliary components for multi-functional operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical switches and display devices are used in the weighing compartment, then the device can be operated and displayed, but the edges and surfaces become difficult to clean and prone to cross-contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes physical switches, buttons, and traditional display devices from the weighing compartment. The operation surface is extracted as a separate functional zone within the work surface, and display information is projected onto the work surface rather than shown on separate display devices. This extraction eliminates the edges and complex surfaces that are difficult to clean.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using physical display devices with screens and buttons, the patent uses a projection system that copies information onto the work surface. The projection device creates visual representations of operational states and information directly on the smooth work surface, eliminating the need for separate display hardware with hard-to-clean surfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If a smooth, continuous work surface is used, then cleaning becomes easy and cross-contamination is reduced, but traditional operating elements cannot be integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical operating elements (switches, buttons) with a sensor-based detection system. Sensors embedded in or below the work surface detect touch inputs, and the projection system provides visual feedback. This substitution maintains the smooth continuous surface while enabling operational input without mechanical edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface serves multiple functions: it is the operational surface for placing samples, the input interface through sensor detection, and the display surface through projection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate operating elements and display devices, maintaining a single smooth continuous surface that is easy to clean.
3Loss of information
If display devices are placed on the work surface, then weight information can be displayed, but the display device itself becomes a contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The projection system acts as an intermediary between the measurement system and the user. Instead of displaying weight information on a separate display device that could be contaminated, the projection system mediates by projecting the information onto the work surface, which is already a clean, smooth surface that is easy to maintain.
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 reliable and efficient cleaning of the weighing compartment, reduces the risk of cross-contamination, and enhances user interaction with ergonomic and space-efficient design for precise weighing and sample handling.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor used in the configuration can be a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, an inductive sensor, or even an acoustic sensor
Implementation Method 2
The sensor used in the configuration can be a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, an inductive sensor, or even an acoustic sensor
Implementation Method 3
a projection device is functionally assigned to the operation surface and can project different operation symbols onto the operation surface
Implementation Method 4
The display device is preferably arranged at a slanting angle to the plane of the plate
Data Source
AI summary
A weighing compartment (10) having a work surface (22), including a balance which is integrated into the weighing compartment and which has a scale pan (24) arranged on the work surface (22), and at least one operation surface (26) which is arranged within the area of the work surface (22). The work surface (22) is formed by the surface of a smooth, continuous plate (20) and the operation surface (26) is integrated into the work surface (22) and is designed as a sensor panel, wherein a sensor (28) is arranged below the plate which forms the work surface.