Cold Storage Slot Sensing for Item Freshness Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low temperature storage apparatuses, such as refrigerators and vending machines, require frequent manual checks to determine the quantity and freshness of stored items, which is inefficient and may lead to errors or unnecessary door openings, and existing solutions do not effectively provide state information about stored articles without user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A low temperature storage apparatus equipped with a light emitting device and a light sensing device that uses illumination sensors to detect the presence and absence of items, providing state information through a controller, allowing users to monitor storage conditions without opening the door, and automatically tracking the storage periods and expiration dates of items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual door opening and visual confirmation is used to check stored items, then users can obtain information about quantity and expiration dates, but this increases door opening frequency and reduces storage efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical detection system. Light emitting devices and light sensing devices automatically detect the presence, quantity, and storage duration of items without requiring door opening. The controller processes sensing signals to determine storage periods and generate state information, eliminating the need for mechanical door opening and manual checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage apparatus performs self-monitoring through automated detection systems. The light sensing devices continuously monitor storage slots, and the controller automatically calculates storage periods and generates state information about stored items without external intervention. This self-service capability provides information about quantity and freshness without user action.
2Loss of information
If door is opened frequently to check stored items, then users can monitor quantity and freshness, but this causes temperature fluctuations and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical door opening with an automated optical sensing system. Light emitting and sensing devices detect item presence and storage duration without door opening. The controller processes signals to determine storage periods and generates state information, eliminating temperature fluctuations and energy loss associated with frequent door opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors storage slots using light sensing devices and provides feedback to the controller. The controller calculates storage periods based on detected information and generates state information about stored items. This closed-loop feedback system enables continuous monitoring without physical door opening.
3Ease of operation
If automated detection systems are installed to monitor stored items, then state information can be provided without door opening, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into modular components: light emitting devices positioned above storage slots, light sensing devices positioned below storage slots, and a controller that processes signals. Each component has a specific function, and the segmented architecture simplifies installation and maintenance while providing comprehensive monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting and sensing devices serve multiple functions: detecting item presence, determining quantity in storage slots, calculating storage periods, and generating state information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems and simplifies the overall device complexity.
4Measurement precision
If light sensing devices are used to detect stored items, then presence and absence can be detected accurately, but measurement precision may be affected by lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light emitting devices as intermediaries between the detection system and stored items. These devices provide controlled illumination that enables light sensing devices to detect item presence and characteristics. The intermediary lighting system eliminates the harmful effect of ambient lighting variations by providing consistent, controllable illumination for accurate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting devices can operate periodically or on-demand rather than continuously, providing illumination only when detection is required. This periodic action reduces energy consumption and minimizes potential interference with stored items while maintaining detection accuracy when activated.
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 users to monitor the number, positions, and freshness of stored articles remotely, reducing manual checks and ensuring accurate tracking of storage periods and expiration dates, thus maintaining a fresh storage state and improving management efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensing device including a plurality of light receiving sensors respectively disposed under the plurality of storage slots and sensing light incident upon the plurality of storage slots from the light emitting device
Data Source
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AI summary
A low temperature storage apparatus may include a main body, a door opening and closing a storage chamber formed in the main body, a tray including storage slots receiving items to be stored, a light emitting device (21), a light sensing device (60) including light receiving sensors sensing light incident on the storage slots from the light emitting device (21), and a controller (300) controlling the light emitting device (21), receiving sensing signals, and providing status information related to the items received in the storage slots. The controller (300) may switch the light emitting device (21) on when the door is opened, and may sense whether or not a sensing signal is changed when the door is closed. The controller (300) may count time from a point of change of the sensing signal if the sensing signal is changed from a signal indicating absence of a storage item to presence of a storage item, and may switch the light emitting device (21) off when a predetermined time from closing of the door has elapsed.