Capacitive Sensing Container for Goods Fill-Level Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing goods management systems face challenges in producing cost-effective containers that can accurately detect the presence and filling volumes of goods, limiting their efficiency in inventory management.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a capacitive sensor device with conducting paths printed on the boundary walls of containers, such as cardboard boxes, which serve as capacitive measuring surfaces, enabling periodic detection and transmission of measurement signals to a storage management unit, along with optional additional property sensing devices for qualitative analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are used to detect goods presence and filling volume, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or electronic sensors with a capacitive sensing system implemented through printed conducting paths. The capacitive sensor device uses electrical field interactions to detect goods presence and filling volume, substituting complex mechanical sensing mechanisms with a simpler electrical field-based system that can be manufactured through printing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and configuration of the sensing element by using printed conducting paths on substrate surfaces. The conducting paths are formed through printing electrically conductive ink, transforming the sensor from a discrete component into an integrated printed structure that maintains measurement precision while reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If complex sensor systems are integrated into containers, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and production difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor device serves multiple functions: detecting goods presence, measuring filling volume, and providing data for inventory management. The same printed conducting paths and evaluation electronics perform all these detection tasks, eliminating the need for separate specialized sensors for each function and thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sensing elements (conducting paths), substrate, and evaluation electronics into an integrated capacitive sensor device. The conducting paths are printed directly on the container substrate, merging the structural element with the sensing element, and the evaluation unit processes signals from both measuring and shielding electrodes within a single integrated system.
3Productivity
If manual inventory checking is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity and time efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor device enables the container to automatically detect and report its own filling status without external intervention. The sensor periodically measures capacitive values, the evaluation unit processes these signals to determine goods presence and volume, and the system can autonomously trigger replenishment alerts, allowing the inventory system to self-monitor and self-report.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the capacitive sensor continuously monitors filling volume, the evaluation unit processes the data, and the results are used to trigger automated responses such as replenishment alerts. This feedback mechanism enables real-time inventory management, allowing the system to automatically respond to stock status changes without manual checking.
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
This solution enhances inventory management efficiency by automating stock tracking, enabling real-time monitoring of goods presence and volume, and facilitating automated replenishment and traceability, particularly suitable for medical and retail applications.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive sensor device for detecting the presence and/or the filling volume of goods in the container
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a container (10) for a goods management system, the system being configured for receiving goods, wherein the container comprises a capacitive sensor device (20) for detecting the presence and/or the filling volume of goods in the container, the capacitive sensor device comprising a conducting path (22) printed on a substrate on at least one boundary wall (11) of the container, which in the FIGURE is formed by its bottom (11). The invention further relates to a goods management system comprising one or more such containers.