The Optic Fibers Mobile Scales

We present an apparatus and method of weigh-in-motion scales that uses photo-elasticity. This phenomenon is employed in the scales’ design to create a periodic signal when a measurable mass passes over a scale. The mass` load is calculated via counting the number of periods of this signal, and the total weight is then calculated as the sum of the individual loads. In order to identify whether vehicle tires move on or off a scale, a two parallel optical channel method is proposed. The proposed design allows one to use optical fiber as the sensitive element of the scales (a load cell).

This is equally true for large objects such as airplanes and for a any amount of small objects.

A criss-cross pattern of the optic fibers allows exact allocation of the weight application on the scale surface if needed.

The scales can be manufactured from a soft material to allow a convenient environment for a baby to be weighed, or a super rigid material in order to support an extremely heavy object (i.e. trucks, airplanes, cattle etc.). Calibration and weighing range are the only differences between these.

Additional feature is a weight-bearing CT scanner while measuring the pressure distribution under the human feet in order to discover over-pressured areas.