Orbit began as a quarantine project and was inspired by my own frustrations with my then-current kitchen scale. When using larger bowls for baking projects they totally obscure the display and made it hard to see the measurement.
When it died, I took it apart to learn how it worked. I noticed that it was split there were only really two major areas: the weighing area and the display area. If the wiring were organized a little differently, like if it were just one cable joining the two areas, it might be possible to make that wire longer and make the display area more accessible. In the early planning process, it occurred to me that the way that the display area would be tethered to the weighing area was similar to the way a moon is tethered by gravity to a planet.
Rapid prototyping with paper and cardboard was used to test the sliding mechanism and variations on it. 3D printing helped to better refine the sliders for the underside of the display area.
The final prototype's display is easily visible from underneath the large mixing bowl when extended.
Orbit features a high contrast digital display for increased visibility and large easy-to-use buttons to handle power, taring a measurement and changing units. The sliding mechanism not only makes the display easier to access, but also acts as a cable guide to manage the cable's slack as the display is pulled out or pushed in.
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Orbit Kitchen Scale

Kitchen scales are a common tool for professional chefs and serious bakers, but they're useful for home cooks as well. If you're trying to replicate a recipe, accuracy matters. Measuring cups and spoons are not nearly as accurate and that can make the difference between a light and airy cake and one that has more in common with brick.

However, most are made to fit that more professional kitchen environment and stick out in the home kitchen. They're made to be a one-size-fits-all solution. That becomes a problem when a home cook may have an array of differently sized mixing bowls or plates in their kitchen, making it difficult to actually see the display for the measurement.

Orbit is a concept kitchen scale made for the home cook. It makes the display more accessible and easier to read so you can focus on making your next best dish.

Available
Dan Devine
Industrial Designer Parkland, FL