How a Bathroom Scale Works
The flat bathroom scale in your home is an accurate way to monitor your weight, and it is simple to use. All you need to do is to step on the scale. Does this Spark an idea?
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Platform, Base and Levers
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The top of the scale is a platform. It is balanced on the base. When you step on the platform, you press it into contact with a lever system within the base that distributes your weight evenly across four connected levers.
Spring
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The levers are connected to a simple spring-plate assembly. When the levers press against the spring plate, the plate lowers, stretching the main spring. The more you weigh, the more the plate stretches the spring.
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Dial Indicator
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As the main spring stretches, it moves a spring cable that is connected to the dial. The spring cable moves the dial needle in proportion to the distance the main spring plate is lowered. The needle points to the number that corresponds to your weight.
Calibration
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Bathroom scales are calibrated at the factory. The levers, spring plate and springs are machined precisely to give accurate weight.
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