Weight Scale Bed Segmentation for Sensor Referencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weight scale systems face challenges in accurately measuring the weight of immobile objects, such as patients on hospital beds, due to difficulties in referencing weight sensors and accounting for environmental conditions that affect pressure measurements.
Innovation Solution
A weight scale system with a mattress that includes fluid-coupled weighing segments and reference segments, where the processor subtracts reference pressure from weighing pressure to isolate the weight of the object, using a controller to operate in referencing and weighing modes to detach and reattach the upper platform from the weight sensor assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight sensors are used to measure the weight of immobile objects on a bed, then weight measurement capability is provided, but environmental conditions affect pressure measurements and reduce accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The bed is divided into multiple independent air segments (first air segment and second air segment) that can be independently pressurized and measured. This segmentation allows separate measurement of different weight components and enables compensation for environmental effects by comparing measurements from multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter of the air segments independently through separate compressors. By adjusting and measuring pressure changes in each segment separately, the system can isolate weight-induced pressure changes from environmental pressure variations, thereby improving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If referencing mode is implemented to improve sensor accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the system requires additional operational modes and increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a referencing operation before actual weight measurement, during which the bed segments are pressurized to a predetermined pressure level with no object on the bed. This preliminary action establishes a baseline that compensates for environmental conditions, and the referencing data is stored for use in subsequent measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles alternating between referencing mode and weighing mode. The controller automatically switches between these modes, performing referencing operations at scheduled intervals to maintain measurement accuracy without requiring continuous complex operations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple air segments are used to isolate environmental effects, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the system requires multiple compressors and increased device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The bed structure is segmented into multiple independent air-containing segments, each capable of independent pressure control. This physical segmentation enables separate pressure measurements and weight calculations for different bed regions, improving accuracy by localizing measurements and reducing the impact of environmental variations across the entire bed.
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 allows for accurate weight measurement of immobile objects by isolating environmental effects and ensuring precise pressure measurements, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of weight determination.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one weight sensor is operable to measure weight applied thereon
Implementation Method 2
a pneumatic actuator positioned at the second end of the bed section
Data Source
AI summary
A weight scale system is for measuring the weight of an object, which includes a bed section, a vertical separator actuator and a controller. The bed section includes a lower-platform, an upper-platform and weight sensor assemblies located on the lower-platform, each includes at least one weight sensor. The bed section further includes at least one vertical-separator. The vertical-separator actuator is coupled with the vertical-separator and with the controller. The controller is coupled with the weight sensors. The controller directs the vertical-separator actuator to operate the bed section in at least two modes, a referencing mode in which the vertical-separator detaches the upper-platform from the weight sensor assemblies, thereby enabling referencing the weight sensors, and a weighing mode, in which the vertical separator re-attaches the upper-platform with the weight sensor assemblies, such that the weight associated with the upper-platform is fully applied on the weight sensors.