Consumable Usage Sensors for Adaptive Replenishment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional subscription-based ordering systems face limitations such as mental and physical friction, requiring users to manually monitor and replenish consumables, leading to delays or skipped purchases due to the rigidity of reordering processes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing sensors and computing algorithms that monitor consumable usage in-situ, correlating usage data to predict consumption rates and automatically trigger replenishment through an adaptive distribution platform, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional subscription-based ordering systems are used, then automated periodic delivery is achieved, but user effort and mental friction increase due to manual monitoring and reordering requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated periodic deliveryVSAvoidmanual monitoring and reordering

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically detecting consumable levels through sensors and triggering replenishment orders without user intervention. The consumable container integrates a sensor that monitors the remaining amount and communicates with the ordering system to place automatic reorders when thresholds are reached, eliminating the need for users to manually monitor and reorder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor consumable levels in real-time, transmit data to the computing system, and trigger automated responses when predefined thresholds are exceeded. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures timely replenishment without requiring user awareness or action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If manual monitoring of consumable levels is required, then system complexity is reduced, but loss of time and productivity decrease due to user effort in tracking and reordering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidtime spent on monitoring and reordering

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical monitoring with automated electronic sensing and computing. Sensors integrated into the consumable container electronically detect and report consumable levels to a computing system, which automatically processes replenishment orders, eliminating the need for users to physically check and record consumable levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary automated ordering system that acts as a mediator between the consumable container and the user. The computing system receives sensor data, determines when replenishment is needed, and executes orders automatically, shielding users from the time-consuming tasks of monitoring and reordering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed periodic delivery intervals are used, then scheduling simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to actual consumption rates decreases leading to overstocking or stockouts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to consumption ratesVSAvoidscheduling flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static fixed-interval scheduling to dynamic demand-driven scheduling. The ordering interval and quantity are dynamically adjusted based on real-time sensor data reflecting actual consumption rates, usage patterns, and remaining consumable levels, allowing the system to adapt flexibly to varying demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by proactively detecting consumable levels before depletion occurs and automatically initiating replenishment orders in advance. The sensor system monitors levels continuously and triggers orders when thresholds are approached, ensuring timely delivery before stockouts happen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If sensors and automated monitoring systems are implemented, then measurement precision of consumption rates improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsumption rate accuracyVSAvoidsensor integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is nested within the consumable container structure itself. The sensor is integrated into the container's design, utilizing the container's existing components and space, which minimizes additional complexity while enabling precise measurement of consumable levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11599931B2Consumable usage sensors and applications to facilitate automated replenishment of consumables via an adaptive distribution platform

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 ORDERGROOVE LLC

AI summary

Various embodiments relate generally to data science and data analysis, computer software and systems, and control systems to provide a platform to facilitate implementation of an interface and one or more sensors, and, more specifically, to one or more sensors that implements specialized logic to facilitate in-situ monitoring of inventories of consumables and automatic reordering of a consumable. In some examples, a method may include receiving sensor data representing usage of a device configured to process a consumable, characterizing the usage to form a characterized value, correlating data representing a unit of the consumable processed via the device to a characterized value of the usage, adjusting an amount representing an inventory of the consumable, detecting an amount of the inventory of the consumable is associated with one or more ranges of threshold values, and generating data representing a request to replenish the inventory of the consumable.