Baby Bottle Sensor Base Segmentation for Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baby bottle systems with integrated weight sensors for measuring milk quantity are difficult to maintain and clean, and the sensor integration can impair the bottle design.
Innovation Solution
A baby bottle apparatus with a releasably attachable bottle base and sensor unit, utilizing an inductive sensor, such as an eddy current sensor, where the sensor unit is separated from the bottle body for easier maintenance and cleaning, and a movable separating element that changes distance with milk quantity for accurate measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor unit is integrated into the bottle base, then the milk quantity can be determined, but the maintenance and cleaning become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bottle base is divided into a first part (base body) and a second part (sensor housing) that can be separated from each other. The sensor unit is housed in the removable second part, allowing it to be detached for maintenance while the first part remains with the bottle body. This segmentation enables easy access to the sensor unit for cleaning and maintenance without disassembling the entire bottle.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor unit is integrated into the bottle base, then the milk quantity can be determined, but the bottle design is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is segregated into a separate removable second part of the bottle base, allowing the main bottle body to maintain its simple, clean design without visible sensors or complex internal structures. The separable architecture enables the bottle body to be designed independently for optimal shape and aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is extracted from the main bottle structure and placed in a removable housing. This extraction allows the sensor components to be taken out for maintenance while the bottle body retains its original design integrity and aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of repair
If the bottle base is made separable, then the sensor unit becomes easier to maintain, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottle base is segmented into two main parts that connect via a straightforward interface. The separation mechanism uses simple geometric interlocking features (such as recesses and protrusions) that require no complex assembly instructions or special tools, minimizing the increase in device complexity while enabling easy maintenance access.
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 maintenance and cleaning efficiency while providing accurate milk quantity determination without impairing the bottle design, using a non-contact, robust, and cost-effective sensor system.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing an inductive sensor, such as an eddy current sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus (2) comprising a connector (4), a baby bottle (6) which can be coupled thereto having a bottle body (8) and a bottle base (10), and a sensor unit (34) arranged in the bottle base (10) for determining the filling quantity of milk in the baby bottle (6). An object of the present invention is to improve handling and maintenance of the apparatus, as well as determining the content quantity. It is characterized in that the bottle base (10) is releasably attachable to the bottle body (8).