Capacitive Sensor Sheet for Object Detection in Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container apparatuses with sensor components are unreliable for monitoring objects with different characteristics, are complex and resource-intensive to manufacture, and cumbersome for users, as they are designed for specific object dimensions and require bulky sensors.
Innovation Solution
An object container apparatus featuring a housing with a sensor sheet comprising arrays of capacitive touch pads and a microcontroller to process capacitance measurements, allowing detection of object presence, absence, orientation, and movement, regardless of object size or type, using a flexible substrate and capacitive sensor driver chip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sensor components are used for monitoring objects, then detection reliability for specific object characteristics is improved, but adaptability to different object types and dimensions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor array is designed to detect multiple types of objects (blister pill packs of different sizes, other containers, foreign objects) using the same sensor component, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors. The sensor array can adapt its detection parameters to identify presence, orientation, and movement of various object types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes detection parameters (capacitance thresholds, sensitivity levels, detection zones) based on the detected object type and characteristics. This allows the same sensor array to reliably detect different object types by adjusting its operational parameters rather than requiring dedicated sensors for each object type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors of different types are included to address differences in object type, then adaptability to different object types is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A single capacitive sensor array performs multiple detection functions (presence detection, orientation detection, movement detection, foreign object detection) that would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors. This universal sensor approach simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensor functions are merged into a single capacitive sensor array system. The same physical sensor components handle various detection tasks by processing different capacitance signal patterns, reducing the total number of components and simplifying integration.
3Reliability
If inductive sensors with coils and outer casings are used, then detection capability for certain objects is improved, but ease of manufacture and device portability deteriorate due to bulky components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical/inductive sensor systems (coils, casings, shielding structures) with planar capacitive sensor arrays that can be manufactured using printed circuit board techniques. This substitution maintains detection capability while dramatically reducing component size and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor array is implemented as a thin, flexible printed circuit board that can be easily integrated into the container housing. This thin-film approach replaces bulky inductive sensor assemblies while maintaining detection functionality and improving ease of manufacture and device portability.
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
Enables reliable detection and tracking of various object types within a container, simplifying manufacturing and user experience by using flexible and modular components that adapt to different object dimensions and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor sheet comprises one or more arrays of capacitive touch pads... configured to process capacitance measurements derived from one or more arrays of capacitive touch pads
Data Source
AI summary
An object container apparatus includes a housing, a sensor sheet, and one or more computer processors coupled to the sensor sheet. The housing comprises one or more interior surfaces forming a cavity. The sensor sheet is positioned within the cavity and comprises one or more arrays of capacitive touch pads. The one or more arrays of capacitive touch pads are arranged substantially parallel to each other in order to form a space within the cavity where an object can be inserted. The one or more computer processors are coupled to the one or more arrays of capacitive touch pads and configured to process capacitance measurements derived from the one or more arrays of capacitive touch pads. The object container apparatus functions to detect an object in the space via processing of capacitance measurements by the one or more computer processors.