Wireless Scale and Release Interface for Tamper-Proof Weighing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for weighing and releasing objects, particularly animals, are inefficient, prone to mismeasurement, and susceptible to tampering, causing harm and inefficiency in competitive and recreational activities.

Innovation Solution

A wireless scale and release system with integrated components including a scale, release mechanism, camera, display, and mobile processor, equipped with anti-tampering mechanisms and secure communication, ensures accurate weighing and minimizes harm to the object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional separate systems (hand scales, cameras, locational sensors) are used for weighing and recording, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to manual operation and susceptibility to tampering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate systems (scale, camera, locational sensor, release mechanism) into an integrated wireless system. The scale measures weight while the camera captures images and locational sensors track position, all coordinated through wireless communication to provide comprehensive monitoring and recording in a unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated system performs multiple functions simultaneously: weighing objects, capturing visual evidence, tracking location, and controlling release mechanisms. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate manual operations while improving measurement precision through automated coordination of all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If manual weighing and recording systems are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to tampering and mismeasurement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-tampering capabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs weighing, image capture, location tracking, and data transmission without manual intervention. The integrated components work autonomously to record and transmit data, eliminating opportunities for tampering while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors weight, position, and visual data, then transmits this information wirelessly for verification. This feedback loop ensures data integrity and prevents tampering by providing real-time verification of measurements and conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If integrated wireless system with multiple components is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight and data accuracyVSAvoidnumber of integrated components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical connections and manual operations with wireless communication technology. The scale, camera, and sensors communicate wirelessly, eliminating the need for complex physical interconnections while maintaining precise measurement and data coordination across all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If traditional separate systems are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to inefficiency in data collection and accountability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection efficiencyVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated system continuously collects weight data, visual evidence, and location information simultaneously, then transmits this data wirelessly for immediate verification and record-keeping. This continuous automated data collection eliminates gaps and inefficiencies associated with manual separate operations, significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system provides accurate, tamper-proof weight measurement and data collection, enhancing accountability and efficiency in recreational and commercial applications while reducing harm to animals.

Implementation Method 1

the scale comprises a strain gauge, a load cell, a transducer, a spring, or any combination thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain gauge: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

the scale comprises a strain gauge, a load cell, a transducer, a spring, or any combination thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLoad cell: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 3

the clamping mechanism comprises a motor, a solenoid, a magnet, a gear, a pulley, or any combination thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS12504317B2Wireless scale and release system for secured content
Publication Date: 2025.12.23 AMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS INC
  • US12504317B2 patent drawing
  • US12504317B2 patent drawing
  • US12504317B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure pertains to a wireless scale, interface and release system for recreational and commercial weighing of items of any kind in a uniform and secure manner, furthermore designed for use on any form of bodies of water, tributaries, ocean, vehicle or land. The present disclosure comprises, scale inside of a waterproof housing, and a user interface to prompt the user through the weighing and release of the item or animal.