Accelerometer-Based Illumination for Mobile Dispensing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Restaurants and bars face challenges in determining the amount and location of condiment dispensed under dim lighting, as well as finding objects, due to inadequate illumination, with existing methods like candles posing fire hazards and smartphone flashlights being intrusive.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an accelerometer-based illumination system into mobile dispensing devices, which detects movement and tipping angles to control side and top lights, providing ambient and focused lighting without hazards, and allowing for supplemental reading and emergency lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If candles or smartphone flashlights are used for illumination, then visibility is improved, but fire hazards and intrusiveness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function with the mobile dispensing device by integrating LEDs into the device housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate light sources like candles or smartphones, providing visibility improvement while eliminating fire hazards and intrusiveness associated with those external light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an accelerometer as an intermediary device that detects motion and triggers illumination only when the device is picked up or moved. This intermediary control mechanism ensures that lighting is provided only when necessary, reducing energy consumption and avoiding unnecessary intrusiveness to other patrons while maintaining visibility when needed.
2Illumination intensity
If illumination is provided continuously, then visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using the accelerometer to detect when the device is picked up or moved, triggering illumination only during these periodic events. The system alternates between illuminated and non-illuminated states based on motion detection, providing visibility when needed while conserving energy during stationary periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system transitions from a static continuous lighting approach to a dynamic motion-triggered approach. The accelerometer continuously monitors device movement and dynamically controls LED activation, adjusting illumination based on actual usage conditions to optimize the balance between visibility and energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If motion detection is added to control illumination, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by selecting an accelerometer that serves multiple functions: detecting when the device is picked up to trigger side lights, detecting tipping angles to activate top lights, and potentially tracking device orientation. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve motion-based energy efficiency without adding separate sensors for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
Enhances the dining experience by providing safe, non-intrusive illumination that aids in locating and identifying dispensed condiments and objects, while avoiding fire hazards and discomfort, through programmable and adaptive lighting control.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer is placed within a mobile dispensing device to detect acceleration
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination system for mobile dispensing devices is disclosed. An acceleration sensor detects the acceleration of the device and a microcontroller analyzes the acceleration to determine if motion and tilt are present. If motion is greater than a threshold value, then side lights turn on at maximum brightness. Once motion is equal to or less than the threshold level, the side lights will progressively dim over a configurable period until being turned off. If the tilt angle of the device is greater than a configurable value from its vertical position, the top lights turn on at maximum brightness. Once the tilt is below or equal to its configurable value, the top lights will progressively dim over a configurable period until being turned off. If either the motion or tilt angle become greater than the programmable value during the dimming process, the corresponding light will again be illuminated at maximum brightness.