Configurable paper roll dispenser sensor device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Janitors often fail to timely refill paper towel dispensers in public restrooms due to lack of real-time monitoring, leading to frustration from users and potential delays in replenishment.
Innovation Solution
A paper roll sensing device equipped with a time-of-flight sensor and wireless transceiver that measures the remaining paper roll height, transmitting notifications to a cloud-based server when replacement is needed, using a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network for remote monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic manual checking is used to monitor paper roll supply, then device complexity is minimized, but reliability of supply monitoring deteriorates leading to delayed refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The paper roll dispenser performs self-monitoring through an integrated sensor system that automatically detects paper roll levels and triggers refilling notifications without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving monitoring reliability while maintaining simple operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through wireless transmission of sensor data to remote devices, creating a closed-loop monitoring system that automatically notifies users when refilling is needed, resolving the contradiction between reliable monitoring and system complexity
2Productivity
If real-time monitoring is implemented using sensors and wireless communication, then productivity of refilling operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with optical time-of-flight sensing and wireless electronic communication, enabling automatic real-time monitoring that significantly improves refilling productivity while managing complexity through modern sensor technology
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system serves multiple functions including paper roll level detection, distance measurement, and trigger activation for refilling notifications, improving productivity through multi-functionality while minimizing the number of separate components needed
3Measurement precision
If time-of-flight sensor is used to measure paper roll distance, then measurement precision of paper roll level is improved, but use of energy increases due to continuous sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The time-of-flight sensor operates periodically rather than continuously, measuring paper roll levels at predetermined intervals or when triggered by specific events such as door opening, thereby maintaining measurement precision while significantly reducing energy consumption
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
Ensures timely notification of paper roll depletion, allowing for prompt refilling and reducing user frustration by providing real-time monitoring and automated reporting of paper roll status.
Implementation Method 1
a time-of-flight sensor, located within the housing, that measures a distance from the time-of-flight sensor to a target region
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements are presented of a paper roll sensing device that can be installed within a paper roll dispenser. The paper roll sensing device may include a housing, a wireless transceiver, and a time-of-flight sensor. The time of flight sensor may measure a distance from the time-of-flight sensor to a target region. The paper roll sensing device may include one or more processors, located within the housing that communicates with the wireless transceiver and the time-of-flight sensor. The paper roll sending device may include a fastener that permits the housing to be attached to a location within a paper roll dispenser such that the time-of-flight sensor is pointed at a paper roll, wherein the target region is a portion of the paper roll.